Pro-Moon Faction Advocates Pardon Considering Fairness and Unity
Yoon Likely Sets Policy to Minimize Politician Pardons
Acts as Intra-Party Focal Point Regardless of Pardon Status
[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jun-yi] As the Ministry of Justice's Pardon Review Committee for the Yoon Seok-yeol administration's first special pardon convenes on the 9th, pro-Moon faction lawmakers of the Democratic Party of Korea have called for the pardon of former Gyeongnam Governor Kim Kyung-soo.
Democratic Party lawmaker Ko Min-jung expressed a progressive stance in a phone interview with this outlet on the 9th, saying, "I hope President Yoon makes a decision in the spirit of national unity."
According to political circles on the day, President Yoon Seok-yeol is reportedly set to minimize special pardons for politicians, including former Governor Kim. Although a broad pardon was initially considered, it is highly likely that politicians involved in corruption and election manipulation crimes will be excluded, taking into account public opinion and other factors. However, former President Lee Myung-bak is expected to be pardoned and reinstated considering his advanced age and health condition.
Regarding this, lawmaker Ko said, "The topic within the Democratic Party is unity, but the topic within the Republic of Korea is also unity," adding, "Usually, presidential pardons have been used mainly as a means to promote or demonstrate national unity. From that perspective, I hope such a decision (to grant pardons) will be made."
Democratic Party lawmaker Go Min-jung holds a press conference to announce her candidacy for the Supreme Council member at the National Assembly Communication Office on the 12th. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@
The day before, lawmaker Ko Young-in, classified as a non-Moon faction member, stated on Facebook, "If President Yoon pardons and reinstates former President Lee Myung-bak and Samsung Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong, then the pardon and reinstatement of former Governor Kim Kyung-soo must also be carried out together," adding, "Excluding former Governor Kim while pardoning former President Lee and Vice Chairman Lee would go against the purpose of the August 15 special pardon and fairness."
On the same day, pro-Moon faction lawmaker Yoon Young-chan emphasized in a phone call, "I think former Governor Kim is very unfairly treated. It is not a corruption crime that violates morality, and the issue was highly controversial," adding, "It is right to actively consider his pardon."
Lawmaker Kim Jong-min also said, "Pardons should be fair, so a comprehensive review is necessary."
Within the party, the prevailing evaluation is that regardless of whether former Governor Kim is pardoned, he still plays a central role for the pro-Moon faction. However, opinions are divided among pro-Moon lawmakers regarding his potential future activities. A re-elected pro-Moon faction lawmaker said in a phone interview, "I heard that former Governor Kim told those around him not to feel burdened about the pardon," adding, "If he comes out, he will not be active for a while, and a natural flow will be formed."
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Justice held the pardon review committee at the Government Complex Gwacheon from 9 a.m. on the day to review candidates for the August 15 Liberation Day special pardon. The pardon announcement is expected to be made on the 12th, ahead of Liberation Day.
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