[Press Conference] "Pardon Without Empathy, a Result That Harms Unity"

On the 18th, citizens are watching the live broadcast of President Moon Jae-in's New Year's press conference in the Seoul Station waiting room. Photo by Moon Honam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Cheol-eung] President Moon Jae-in clearly drew a line on the issue of pardoning former presidents, stating, "This is not the time to talk about it." Emphasizing that public consensus is an essential prerequisite, he added, "(If there is no consensus) it will not help unity but rather harm it." This dismissed the pardon debate that arose earlier this year when Lee Nak-yeon, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, mentioned it. Nevertheless, the conservative opposition's push for pardons is expected to continue.

The pardon was one of the most closely watched issues at President Moon's New Year's press conference on the 18th and was the first question asked. Regarding the 'inclusiveness' he mentioned in his New Year's address on the 11th, President Moon said, "I specifically mentioned inclusiveness because inclusive recovery is important to resolve the polarization gap or inequality that has widened during the COVID-19 era." This corrected some speculation that he was referring to pardons when mentioning inclusiveness.

He then said, "I have thought a lot about this, but I will honestly share my thoughts," adding, "The imprisonment of the two former presidents is a very unfortunate national event. Both are elderly and reportedly in poor health, which is very concerning. Still, I believe now is not the time to talk about pardons."

He explained that the mistakes were significant and the timing inappropriate. President Moon pointed out, "The trial process has just concluded. It was confirmed that there was massive state corruption and power-related bribery, causing enormous national damage and great pain and wounds to the people."

He continued, "The court, considering the gravity of the case, imposed very strict and severe sentences. But to talk about pardons immediately after the sentencing, although it is the president's authority, I believe politicians, including the president, do not have the right to say that."

He also cited the lack of remorse as a reason for rejecting pardons. President Moon said, "Moreover, the public's common sense will not accept, and I also find it difficult to accept, the movement demanding pardons while denying past wrongdoings and not acknowledging the trial results." In fact, recent polls show higher opposition to pardons than support.

President Moon acknowledged, "I think many people are hurting or saddened by the current situation. The opinion that we should achieve national unity through pardons that embrace their pain is worth listening to," adding, "There will come a time when we need to think more deeply at an appropriate time."

However, he reiterated, "The fundamental premise is that there must be public consensus," emphasizing, "If the public does not agree with pardons, it cannot be a means of unity. If there is another severe division of public opinion, it will not help unity but rather harm it."

Regarding whether pardons for former Prime Minister Han Myeong-sook and former Presidents Lee Myung-bak and Park Geun-hye could be considered together, he said, "Personally, I feel sorry, but the exercise of the president's pardon authority is distinctly different," adding, "So far, we have not considered pardoning politicians. It is difficult to say in advance what will happen in the future. I think unilateral pardons without public consensus are difficult now. I consider it a matter of the times."

The Democratic Party has already settled on the position that remorse must be a prerequisite following Lee's pardon proposal. However, in the People Power Party, former lawmaker Yoo Seung-min, former Seoul mayoral primary candidate Na Kyung-won, and former Seoul mayor Oh Se-hoon are urging President Moon to make a decision on pardons.