[Comprehensive] President Moon Concludes Pardon Debate... Ruling Party "Agrees with Intent" vs Opposition "Don't Prolong It"

President Moon Emphasizes "National Consensus First" on Pardon Debate
"Aligned with Party Leadership's Views," Supports Ruling Party Saying "It's Time to Settle"
"Pardon Is the President's Exclusive Authority," Criticizes Opposition Asking "Is Pardon Gossip?"

President Moon Jae-in is answering reporters' questions at the New Year's press conference held at the Blue House Chunuchu-gwan on the 18th. / Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Ju-hyung] As President Moon Jae-in wrapped up the discussion on the pardon of former Presidents Lee Myung-bak and Park Geun-hye with the sentiment that "it is not the time to talk about it yet," reactions from the ruling and opposition parties diverged. The Democratic Party of Korea defended the stance, saying "we respect the president's will," while the People Power Party urged President Moon for a swift decision.

On the 18th, President Moon expressed his position on the pardon of former presidents during the '2021 New Year Press Conference' held at the Blue House Chunghwacang. He stated, "If the public does not sympathize with the pardon, it cannot be a means of unity," emphasizing that "public consensus must come first."

He added, "I have thought about it a lot, but to be honest, I will share my thoughts," and stressed, "The fact that two former presidents are imprisoned is a very unfortunate situation for the nation, but now is not the time to talk about pardons."

However, he did not completely rule out the possibility of a pardon, saying, "I think there will come a time when we need to think more deeply about it at an appropriate time someday."

When asked if there was a possibility of deciding the timing of the pardon before leaving office, he replied, "It is difficult to say in advance how things will unfold, but I believe it is difficult to exercise unilateral pardon rights without a foundation of public consensus."

The ruling party responded to President Moon's stance by stating that they "will respect the president's will."

Choi In-ho, the chief spokesperson for the Democratic Party, said in a briefing that day, "We agree with and respect the president's statement that public consensus must be a prerequisite for the pardon of former Presidents Lee Myung-bak and Park Geun-hye," adding, "At the beginning of the year, the party leadership agreed that genuine reflection by the parties involved and public consensus are important, and the president's remarks align with the party leadership's position."

Lee Nak-yeon, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is offering incense at the memorial altar during a visit to the National May 18th Democratic Cemetery in Unjeong-dong, Buk-gu, Gwangju on the afternoon of the 18th. / Photo by Yonhap News

Earlier, Lee Nak-yeon, leader of the Democratic Party who first proposed the 'former presidents' pardon theory' on the 1st, also said after paying respects at the Gwangju National 5.18 Democratic Cemetery in the afternoon, "We respect the president's will," and added, "The president's words should settle the issue (of the pardon theory)."

On the other hand, the opposition party called for a swift pardon decision from President Moon.

Joo Ho-young, floor leader of the People Power Party, pointed out at a National Assembly press conference that day, "Pardon is the president's inherent authority, and it is a matter that requires a decision for national unity, not something to be prolonged with various political reservations."

Joo emphasized, "The pardon issue was triggered when the ruling party leader said on the 1st that he would propose a pardon," adding, "If this is prolonged or conditional, it deviates from the original purpose and intent of the pardon."

Kim Ki-hyun, a member of the same party, criticized on his Facebook that day, "The ruling party leader shouted early in the new year to pardon former presidents himself, but just 18 days later, the president says to let it go as if nothing happened," and expressed deep regret that "the pardon has fallen to such a trivial gossip. This is by no means the demeanor of a national leader."

Joo Ho-young, floor leader of the People Power Party, is meeting with Jeong Young-ae, Minister of Gender Equality and Family, who visited the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul on the 18th to offer congratulations on his inauguration. / Photo by Yonhap News

The pardon debate arose after Lee Nak-yeon revealed in a New Year's interview with 'Yonhap News' on the 1st that he would propose pardons for the two former presidents.

At the time, Lee explained, "I will propose pardons for the two former presidents to President Moon Jae-in at an appropriate time," adding, "The purpose is to move forward with unified strength amid the political conflicts while the entire nation is experiencing the COVID-19 crisis."

However, as internal opposition grew, Lee stepped back, stating that "the reflection of the parties involved must be a prerequisite."

After the final sentencing of former President Park was confirmed on the 14th, Lee also said at a meeting with reporters, "I think former President Park should sincerely apologize to the people, considering the deep wounds of the nation," and emphasized, "I have said that I would propose a pardon at an appropriate time, and the party has concluded that public consensus and the reflection of the parties involved are important."