[Independence Day Pardon] Hong Jun-pyo: "A bland, practical pardon with no impact"

Minister of Justice Han Dong-hoon is announcing the recipients of the Yoon Seok-yeol administration's first special pardon, the '8.15 Liberation Day Special Pardon,' at the Government Seoul Office in Jongno-gu, Seoul, on the 12th. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] Daegu Mayor Hong Joon-pyo criticized the August 15 special pardon for excluding politicians such as former President Lee Myung-bak, calling it a "lackluster pardon with no impact."

On the 12th, Mayor Hong said on his Facebook, "It was a good opportunity for a positive turnaround, but it's unfortunate."

Earlier, through his Facebook, he had hinted at the necessity of pardons for former President Lee and former Gyeongnam Governor Kim Kyung-soo.

Mayor Hong stated, "Pardons are a national event carried out based on political standards," adding, "This August 15 special pardon, judged by the prosecution's standards, is nothing more than a bland, practical pardon with no impact."