Son Hak-kyu: "Delaying Pardon Will Damage President Moon's Authority"

President Moon's New Year Press Conference Urges 'Pardon Decision'
Also Criticizes the 86 Generation as "People Scheming Conflict and Division"

Son Hak-kyu, leader of the Bareunmirae Party, is attending the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly on the 10th, delivering opening remarks. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeon Jinyoung] Former Bareunmirae Party leader Sohn Hak-kyu stated on the 17th regarding the pardon controversy of former Presidents Lee Myung-bak and Park Geun-hye, "If the president refuses or hesitates, the president's authority will be greatly damaged." With President Moon Jae-in's New Year's press conference just a day away, there is growing interest inside and outside the political sphere as to whether President Moon will reveal his stance on the pardon issue.

On the morning of the same day, former leader Sohn wrote on Facebook, "At tomorrow's press conference, please make a decisive decision on pardoning the two former presidents," adding, "We must end the division and conflict in the country caused by the pardon issue of the two former presidents."

He said, "The Democratic Party of Korea says that an apology from the former presidents and public consent are necessary. However, this is a hurdle the president must overcome," emphasizing, "A presidential pardon is a grand political decision, not a legal acquittal. The president should not be swayed by public opinion."

He continued, "The pardon should be an opportunity to unite the people and overcome the crisis," citing the example of former President Kim Dae-jung. Sohn said, "President Kim Young-sam pardoned former Presidents Chun Doo-hwan and Roh Tae-woo at the request of President-elect Kim Dae-jung," adding, "President Kim Dae-jung pardoned Chun Doo-hwan, who had tried to kill him. He showed a model of virtuous governance by embracing his enemy and persuading the people."

He criticized political figures opposing the pardon, especially the 86 generation, saying, "The 86 generation stands out among those opposing the pardon," and directed criticism toward them. Sohn stated, "The 86 generation is not only the central political generation of today's country but also the political force President Moon relies on the most. However, they are criticized as people who prioritize their group's interests before the country and, trapped in factional logic, plot conflict and division."

He urged, "The president should demand and lead his supporters, especially the 86 generation," adding, "He should encourage them to uphold the president's authority, emerge from the dark cave, and move forward vigorously. He must admonish them not to imprison the country with petty desires for power," once again calling for President Moon's decisive action.