Lee Nak-yeon: "I was heavily criticized for the pardon theory... I respect the President's intention"

Lee Nak-yeon, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea. Photo by MBC 'News Desk' capture

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Young-eun] President Moon Jae-in expressed a negative stance on the 'pardon theory' regarding former Presidents Lee Myung-bak and Park Geun-hye. Meanwhile, Lee Nak-yeon, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, said on the 19th about the controversy over the pardon theory, "I was scolded a lot," and added, "I respect the president's will."

Lee appeared on MBC's 'News Desk' that day and said, "In any case, I hope it will be settled with the president's words. That is the right thing to do."

Regarding the decline in support rates for presidential candidates, Lee said, "There must have been various frustrations. There were also my own shortcomings, and when legislative battles take place in the National Assembly, there is frustration when things do not go as one wishes," adding, "I think it is the result of a combination of these various factors."

He also spoke about the 'profit-sharing system,' saying, "(Companies) are looking for incentives to encourage voluntary participation," and added, "We expect to present something within this month."

He explained, "The profit-sharing system was also President Moon's election pledge. Institutionalization means not coercion but encouraging participation by providing incentives," and added, "I think it is important to create a social framework where the private sector helps and supports each other, not just through finances." The profit-sharing system is intended to share the profits of companies that have prospered due to the COVID-19 pandemic with the affected groups, a point Lee mentioned on the 11th.

Furthermore, regarding Gyeonggi Province Governor Lee Jae-myung's plan to provide 100,000 won in disaster relief funds to all residents, Lee said, "We are currently practicing social distancing, so telling people to consume is like turning on the left blinker while going right," and added, "There will be ways to avoid such conflicts, and if possible, I hope the central and local governments can respond together."