Park Geun-hye Final Verdict... Ruling Party "Apologizes to the People" · Opposition "Unhappy History Must Not Repeat" (Comprehensive)

Request for Pardon of Yoo Seung-min and Kim Ki-hyun Also

On the 14th, the day of the final appeal trial of former President Park Geun-hye, who was prosecuted for the state corruption scandal, police forces were controlling access in front of the Supreme Court in Seocho-gu, Seoul. Photo by Kang Jin-hyung aymsdream@

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyemin] Regarding the Supreme Court's final ruling on former President Park Geun-hye, the Democratic Party of Korea said, "We hope former President Park apologizes to the people." The People Power Party stated, "We respect the court's ruling," but added, "An unfortunate history must not be repeated." Neither ruling party nor opposition mentioned 'pardon' in their official statements.

Shin Young-dae, spokesperson for the Democratic Party, said in a statement that day, "Former President Park's abuse of power directly denies Article 1 of the Constitution of the Republic of Korea," and "It left an indelible disgrace in Korean history and a blot on the history of global democracy."

Shin also said, "Former President Park must apologize to the people for all of this," and "Only her sincere reflection and apology for today's ruling can break away from the unfortunate past." He also warned the People Power Party, "They must remember their shared responsibility for the wounds suffered by the people and the humiliating history of Korea."

Lee Nak-yeon, leader of the Democratic Party, also told reporters at the National Assembly that day, "I believe the Supreme Court's final ruling will reinforce the great spirit of the Candlelight Revolution and firmly advance the development of Korean democracy," and "Former President Park should sincerely apologize to the people, understanding their deep wounds."

The opposition People Power Party said, "We respect the court's ruling and accept it solemnly together with the people." Yoon Hee-seok, spokesperson, said in a statement, "Preventing the repetition of unfortunate history has now become a task for all of us," and "As the main opposition party, the People Power Party will not stop efforts to uphold democracy and the rule of law and to promote national unity."

Although the People Power Party did not mention a pardon for former President Park in its official statement, there were calls within the party urging President Moon Jae-in to grant a pardon. Former lawmaker Yoo Seung-min said, "Now is the time to move forward toward national unity and the future," and "I hope President Moon reflects on the meaning of the constitution granting the president the extraordinary power of pardon." Lawmaker Kim Ki-hyun requested, "Please make a decisive decision on an unconditional pardon."

On the other hand, the Justice Party said, "This is a stern punishment to restore democracy," and urged to stop discussing pardons any further. Chief spokesperson Jung Ho-jin said in a briefing that day, "The Blue House and the ruling party must put an end to the pardon controversy," and "They must clearly understand that a pardon will not bring national unity but will only fuel further division among the people at both extremes."