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[Image source=Yonhap News]

As President Moon Jae-in mentioned the possibility of a pardon, the prospect of pardoning political and economic figures such as former President Lee Myung-bak and Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong is resurfacing around Buddha's Birthday on the 8th of next month.

According to the Blue House and political circles on the 26th, President Moon is reportedly deliberating over the sudden pardon requests from various sectors, including religious groups and the business community, citing national unity. In his final meeting with the Blue House press corps the day before, President Moon said, "It is true that pardon requests are coming from various sectors," adding, "I believe that whether there is public support or consensus remains the judgment criterion we must follow." This implies that a pardon could be considered if there is public consensus.

Earlier, at the end of last month, the team of President-elect Yoon Suk-yeol requested the Blue House to pardon former President Lee Myung-bak and Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong, followed by the submission of a 'Petition for Pardon and Rehabilitation for Economic Development and National Unity' by the five major economic organizations, including the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Accordingly, there is speculation that President Moon might carry out a sudden pardon of former President Lee and others around Buddha's Birthday on the 8th of next month. However, negative public opinion regarding the pardon of former President Lee remains the biggest obstacle. According to a survey conducted by Gallup Korea on the 25th of last month, 50% opposed the pardon.

Political circles and President-elect Yoon's team are taking a cautious stance. Song Eon-seok, the senior deputy floor leader of the People Power Party, said, "Special pardons are the president's inherent authority, so it is a matter the president must decide," while Park Hyung-soo, a lawmaker from the same party, said, "I think there is a possibility," adding, "It is only a matter of President Moon's decision." Senior lawmaker Jung Woo-taek remarked, "The key point to watch is whether President Moon's close aides will be included."

Baek Hyun-jin, spokesperson for the President-elect, also said in a briefing that day, "It does not seem to be an issue for the president-elect to mention or evaluate," adding, "More than the president-elect's position, the most curious matter is who President Moon and the current ruling party will pardon."

Within the Democratic Party of Korea, there were criticisms that it was premature. Lee Soo-jin, a member of the National Assembly's Legislation and Judiciary Committee, said, "(Special pardons) are premature. Isn't there a lack of public consensus?" Yoon Jae-gap also stated, "It is not appropriate at the end of the president's term. Public consensus must be formed, but there is little time left. If it is to be done, it should be done by the new president."

Jaein Bae, floor leader of the Justice Party, clearly expressed opposition, saying, "We have previously expressed opposition to pardons, and the situation has not changed."