Support for 'Geomsu Wanbak' Legislation: "Unchecked Power Should Not Be Left Alone"
Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum held his final press conference at the Prime Minister's official residence in Sejong City on the 3rd, sharing his reflections on his retirement. (Photo by Office for Government Policy Coordination)
[Asia Economy Sejong=Reporter Son Seon-hee] Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum reportedly made repeated requests to President Moon Jae-in for a pardon of Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong, but these were not accepted. President Moon expressed a cautious stance on pardoning business figures such as Lee, saying, "(In the next administration) it can be resolved well, but rather, we might be placing the baduk stones incorrectly."
On the afternoon of the 3rd, at his last press conference before stepping down held at the Prime Minister's official residence in Sejong City, Prime Minister Kim stated regarding the pardon issue, "I suggested, 'Isn't there room to consider the economic figures (pardon) separately?'" This conversation took place during the last weekly meeting with President Moon on the 2nd.
Recent pardon discussions were triggered by the Buddhist community's request for pardons for four individuals?former President Lee Myung-bak, former Gyeongnam Governor Kim Kyung-soo, Vice Chairman Lee, and former Professor Jung Kyung-shim (wife of former Minister of Justice Cho Kuk)?on the occasion of Buddha’s Birthday on the 8th, citing "national unity" as the reason. When Prime Minister Kim conveyed this public opinion at the weekly meeting, President Moon expressed a negative view, saying, "It does not seem appropriate for the president to abuse the pardon power at the end of the term." Regarding the repeated request for a ‘one-point pardon’ for Vice Chairman Lee, President Moon was cautious, likening it to a ‘baduk stone,’ and ultimately decided not to exercise the pardon power.
As the third Prime Minister of the Moon Jae-in administration who remained in office until the end of the regime, Prime Minister Kim is expected to play a certain role in the launch of the next government. Kim said, "I will assist until the successor of the next government arrives, and then choose an appropriate time to step down naturally."
The National Assembly completed the confirmation hearing for Prime Minister nominee Han Duck-soo the day before but has not yet scheduled the plenary session for the approval vote. Until then, the incumbent Prime Minister Kim must recommend appointments for the next ministers who have completed the hearing process.
Meanwhile, regarding the so-called 'complete removal of prosecution investigation rights' (검수완박, Geomsu Wanbak) bill, which has completed the legislative process, Prime Minister Kim defended it, saying, "No power should be left unchecked."
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