Lee Nak-yeon on 'MB·Park Pardon Theory': "Cannot Forgive Crimes but Must Unite the People's Hearts"

Lee Nak-yeon, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is being interviewed by Yonhap News Agency in the party leader's office at the National Assembly to mark the New Year of 2021, the Year of the Ox. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Suwan] Lee Nak-yeon, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, stated on the 4th regarding the pardon of former Presidents Lee Myung-bak and Park Geun-hye, "If I had only thought about my own interests or advantages and disadvantages, I would not have spoken," adding, "While I cannot forgive the crimes of the two former presidents, I thought it was worth considering as a way to unite the hearts of the people."

Lee appeared on KBS News 9 that day and said, "The world is going through the COVID-19 (novel coronavirus infection) crisis," and added, "In this war with an unknown end, can we continue with the hearts of the people divided into two or three? I spoke out of a desperate feeling."

When asked if he was stepping back from the discussion on pardoning the two former presidents, Lee said, "It is like having come to a conclusion." On the 3rd, the Democratic Party leadership concluded that "public consensus and the reflection of the parties involved are important" regarding the pardon proposal for the two former presidents.

Regarding bringing up the pardon issue without gathering opinions within the party, he said, "It is truly regrettable that it was done without collecting opinions. However, it is a matter difficult to gather opinions on," and added, "I will accept any criticism directed at me."

Addressing former Presidents Lee Myung-bak and Park Geun-hye, who are dissatisfied with court rulings, Lee said, "It is frustrating," and stated, "Regardless of how they think, it is right to accept the judgment of the Supreme Court of the Republic of Korea. As the highest leaders of the country, they should be able to understand the hearts of the people." He added, "I believe there will be something like an apology as a leader who understands the pain of the people."

He also criticized the People Power Party, which opposes the demand for reflection from the parties involved, saying, "They are frustrating people," and added, "If they think about the hearts of the people, they should feel sorry. They should consider why (Kim Jong-in) the Emergency Committee Chairman apologized."