Justice Minister Park Beom-kye, who has faced backlash for granting parole to imprisoned de facto Samsung leader Lee Jae-yong ahead of Liberation Day next week, denied there was any preferential treatment.

On Tuesday, Park said the decision was based on Lee fulfilling the requirements for his parole, including serving more than 50 percent of his sentence, and in accordance with procedure. Park added that Lee could not be an exception.

Referring to the 110-percent accommodation rate of the country's correctional facilities, the minister stressed that efforts should be made to reduce the rate to 100 percent.

The minister, however, emphasized that Lee's parole, which was decided after considering the post-pandemic global economy and the country's credit rating, is separate from keeping restrictions on his employment.

When asked whether he had consulted with the presidential office prior to the decision, Park said paroles are granted in line with ministry's policies.

The vice chairman of Samsung Electronics has been serving a two-and-a-half-year sentence on charges of bribing former President Park Geun-hye and her confidante Choi Soon-sil.