Conflict over People Power Party's Impeachment Rejection Controversy... Joo Ho-young "No Official Request for Pardon"

Party's Progressive Faction: "Refusal to Accept Impeachment Denies Rule of Law"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] Intense controversy has erupted within the People Power Party over the issue of pardoning former presidents. In particular, former President Park Geun-hye's 'rejection of impeachment' has come under scrutiny. Opinions from the party's younger faction have been officially expressed, stating that rejecting the impeachment denies the rule of law. As the controversy continues, the leadership, which had expressed positive views on pardons, is stepping back, saying they will 'not officially demand pardons.'

On the 23rd, the People Power Party's Youth Issues Research Institute, 'Yojeumgeotdeul Research Institute,' issued a statement saying, "Former President Park's constitutional violations and abuse of power were matters that underwent impeachment and judicial judgment," and added, "Denying the impeachment is denying the rule of law. This is not the path of our party."

On the 20th, People Power Party lawmaker Seo Byung-soo said during a National Assembly interpellation session, "Did former President Park really commit illegal acts warranting impeachment?" Following this remark, criticism arose both inside and outside the party, accusing him of advocating impeachment denial.

At the emergency committee meeting that day, People Power Party emergency committee member Kim Jae-seop said, "Those with the loudest voices in the party are talking about pardons, and it feels like this is becoming the party's official stance," but also conveyed the current confusion by saying, "At the same time, many young people feel betrayed (by the pardon argument)."

As internal opposition continued, People Power Party acting party leader and floor leader Joo Ho-young stated, "Pardons are an inherent authority that the president must decide within the judicial system," and added, "The People Power Party will not officially request pardons for the two former presidents."