Moon, Weight on the Possibility of Accepting the Pardon Proposal for MB

Bank of Korea Governor and Public Enterprise Executives Likely to Discuss
Jang Je-won "May Also Talk About COVID-19 Supplementary Budget"

On July 25, 2019, President Moon Jae-in is seen heading to the meeting room after presenting the appointment letter to Yoon Seok-youl, then the newly appointed Prosecutor General and now President-elect. (Photo by Yonhap News)

[Asia Economy reporters Lee Ji-eun and Geum Bo-ryeong] President-elect Yoon Seok-yeol formalized the proposal for a pardon of former President Lee Myung-bak during his meeting with President Moon Jae-in on the 16th, bringing the 'Buddha's Birthday pardon' closer to realization. Since both the old and new powers simultaneously called for 'national unity,' there is growing weight to the possibility that President Moon will accept it.

However, it remains uncertain whether President Moon will accept other agendas expected to be presented by the President-elect's side, such as the next Bank of Korea governor appointment and personnel appointments for public enterprises.

The political circles are focusing on the formalization of the pardon proposal for former President Lee. While it had been predicted only as a possibility, the official mention by spokesperson Kim Eun-hye on the 15th briefing led to interpretations that there was prior communication. If the Blue House had little chance of acceptance, there would be no reason for the President-elect's side to mention the necessity.

Within the People Power Party, there is a strong view that President Moon's decision is necessary for national unity. On the same day, Rep. Ha Tae-kyung of the People Power Party said on BBS Radio, "It would be better for President Moon to make a decision and exercise his authority before leaving office, which would receive applause from the public and bring a more graceful conclusion."

Even within the Democratic Party, there are voices calling for a pardon. Recently, Rep. Lee Sang-min of the Democratic Party explained, "The pardon for former President Lee has naturally reached a stage where it cannot be avoided."

From the Blue House's perspective, it is expected that pardons for ruling party figures will be pursued simultaneously with the pardon of former President Lee. Rep. Kwon Seong-dong of the People Power Party claimed on MBC Radio's 'Kim Jong-bae's Focus' that there might be a simultaneous pardon for Kim Kyung-soo, former governor of Gyeongnam and a close aide to President Moon.

Some within the People Power Party argue that since Buddha's Birthday (May 8) is close to the presidential inauguration day (May 10), it would be better to carry out a special pardon at the inauguration. A former pro-Lee Myung-bak faction lawmaker said, "If it is not an early special pardon, there is no need to propose it."

However, regarding the freeze on public enterprise personnel appointments at the end of the term and the appointment of the Bank of Korea governor, it is expected that President-elect Yoon and President Moon will have differing views. A Blue House official responded to some media reports that the transition team requested a 'freeze on personnel appointments,' saying, "President Moon's term lasts until May 9, and he holds the personnel authority. No matter how much it is the transition team, they would not request a freeze on presidential personnel authority conducted by law."

Since the legal authority over personnel appointments lies with the current president, there could be a tense standoff between the Blue House and the transition team. Accordingly, the resolution of this issue is expected to be a key point in the meeting between President Moon and the President-elect. Regarding the Bank of Korea governor, it is reported that the practical selection process has been completed. The Blue House stated, "There is still a possibility that President Moon will make the appointment alone." However, since only the practical work has been completed, the dominant view is that President Moon will have the President-elect designate the successor governor through their meeting.

In addition, discussions are expected regarding the supplementary budget for COVID-19. Jang Je-won, chief secretary to the President-elect, told reporters on the day, "We will firmly request the government to actively ensure that compensation is definitely provided to self-employed people."