Cheong 'Lee Jae-yong Pardon' Shift in Mood... Early Parole and More Surface in Political Circles

[Asia Economy Reporter Oh Ju-yeon] Since President Moon Jae-in mentioned the pardon issue of Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong, the political sphere has also seen the issue of Lee’s early parole surface. After President Moon left room for consideration by stating in his 4th anniversary inaugural speech that he would "listen to public opinion before making a judgment" regarding Lee’s pardon, attention is focused on whether the argument for Lee’s pardon will gain momentum.

On the 11th, Hong Ik-pyo, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea and head of the Democratic Research Institute, appeared on KBS Radio’s "Choi Kyung-young’s Strongest Current Affairs" and evaluated that the Blue House’s stance on Lee’s pardon has progressed compared to the New Year’s press conference in January this year.

He said, "It is true that (Lee’s pardon) has been strongly raised through some media, but when I go out and listen, there are people saying he should be pardoned and others who say it should not be," adding, "From the perspective of democracy, where politics is done by listening to the will and opinions of the people, the president is keeping the possibility open and intends to listen to public opinion." He then said, "It seems that there has been some progress."

Hong expressed that while there is some validity to the argument that a pardon is necessary based on Lee’s role amid the semiconductor crisis, sufficient social discussion must take place.

He stated, "It would not be easy for the president to carry out a pardon and reinstatement based on only some claims," and added, "It seems that there is consideration of issues such as fairness and legal justice that must also be contemplated."

Jo Kyung-tae, a member of the People Power Party running for party leader, also appeared on the same program and advocated for Lee’s early parole. He explained that if it can help resolve the economic crisis caused by COVID-19 and difficulties in securing vaccines, Lee should be deployed to the forefront of the economy.

Jo said, "Since he is currently on trial, a pardon does not logically make sense," but added, "If it can contribute even a little to overcoming the difficult economy, a temporary release in the form of early parole is necessary." He further added, "It is also necessary to involve people like Lee in securing vaccines."

However, while calling it a "temporary release," he drew a line from "pardon."

Jo said, "The public overwhelmingly demands a pardon, but since he is on trial, a pardon does not make sense," and added, "If there is a way to contribute to the country even through temporary release, it would be good to allow that contribution."

Joo Ho-young, former floor leader of the People Power Party, also appeared on CBS Radio’s "Kim Hyun-jung’s News Show" that day and supported President Moon’s pardon argument for Lee made the previous day.

He said, "A pardon is a presidential prerogative granted by the Constitution," and added, "Although the principle is that everyone is equal before the law, if there is someone who benefits the national interest or the entire people, exceptions can be made. This is the essence of the pardon system," indirectly referring to Lee’s pardon. He further added, "It is a matter for the president to judge and decide in a way that benefits our country and the entire people."