Kim Du-kwan: "MB Pardon Recommendation Inappropriate... Also Strange to Link It with Kim Kyung-soo's Pardon"

"Do it after Yoon's inauguration if you want... Burdening Moon"
"Controversy surrounds pardons for Jeon Du-hwan and Roh Tae-woo"

Former President Lee Myung-bak [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoon Seul-gi] Amid the cancellation of the first meeting between President Moon Jae-in and President-elect Yoon Seok-yeol, Kim Du-kwan, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, pointed out that "it is highly inappropriate for a president-elect to request a pardon from the sitting president."

On the morning of the 16th, Kim appeared on CBS Radio's 'Kim Hyun-jung's News Show' and said, "Personally, I am fundamentally opposed to pardons granted for political reasons to individuals convicted of serious crimes."

Earlier, on the 15th, Kim Eun-hye, spokesperson for the president-elect, officially announced the intention to request a pardon during a briefing at the People Power Party headquarters in Yeouido, Seoul, stating, "President-elect Yoon has long held the view of requesting a pardon for former President Lee Myung-bak. We hope this meeting will serve as an opportunity for national unity and harmony."

Regarding this, Kim said, "If they want to grant a pardon, they should do so after taking office. In a way, it also places a burden on the outgoing president," adding, "From the public's perspective, there is great disappointment regarding pardons for conglomerates or former presidents for political reasons."

He continued, "In fact, the public tends to agree with pardons for those who committed minor crimes related to livelihood issues and have served their sentences, but they are reluctant to accept pardons granted for political reasons," and added, "Moreover, on a broader scale, it undermines the separation of powers and the judiciary's judgment."

Regarding the past case when President-elect Kim Dae-jung requested pardons for former Presidents Chun Doo-hwan and Roh Tae-woo from then-President Kim Young-sam under the pretext of national unity, Kim said, "There was a lot of controversy. One of them showed no reflection or remorse for historical wrongdoings, making it even harder for the public to agree."

He went on to say, "Especially regarding the pardon of former President Park Geun-hye, the majority of the public agreed, but there was significant disagreement over the pardon of former President Lee Myung-bak," adding, "Since these crimes literally shook the national foundation, it will be difficult for the public to easily accept this."

Regarding the prospect of pardoning former President Lee and former Gyeongnam Governor Kim Kyung-soo simultaneously, Kim said, "It is not appropriate to link the pardon issue with Governor Kim Kyung-soo." He added, "I was surprised when People Power Party lawmaker Kwon Seong-dong said, 'President Moon Jae-in will pardon former President Lee Myung-bak and Governor Kim Kyung-soo together. It is 100% certain.' I believe the possibility of politically compromising by bundling Governor Kim Kyung-soo for a pardon is low. It is difficult to avoid various criticisms and political burdens that come with exercising the pardon power in such a political manner."