Park Yong-chan "Let's Fully Reform the Pardon System That Only Fuels National Division This Time"

Park Yong-chan, the head of the People Power Party's Yeongdeungpo-eul district committee, proposed on the 12th to "completely reform the pardon and reinstatement system" amid political turmoil surrounding the pardon of former Gyeongnam Governor Kim Kyung-soo. He suggested, "A ‘Special Committee for Pardon and Reinstatement Reform’ should be formed within the National Assembly or the party to establish a new pardon and reinstatement system that can be accepted."

On the same day, through social media (SNS), Park mentioned the confrontation between pro-Kim and pro-Moon factions within the presidential office, the ruling party, and the Democratic Party of Korea regarding the pardon of former Governor Kim. He stated, "Traditionally, the justification for pardoning politicians was ‘national unity.’ However, in many cases, pardoning politicians has not led to national unity but rather exacerbated national division."

Regarding the pardon system, he said, "While it has the positive function of helping those wrongfully accused of livelihood-related crimes, it has also degenerated into a so-called ‘crime laundering’ for a privileged few such as influential politicians, high-ranking officials, and chaebol heads. It is also true that it has been abused as a tool for protecting the close associates of those in power and for political bargaining." He added, "Even those who commit serious crimes can be acquitted and even run for National Assembly or presidential elections if they have the right connections and backing, leaving ordinary citizens without connections or backing feeling wronged and resentful every time pardons are granted."

Park pointed out that compared to overseas pardon systems, Korea’s pardon system is "excessively abused," noting, "During the Lunar New Year special pardon, March 1st special pardon, Liberation Day special pardon, and Christmas special pardon, thousands of people receive mass benefits and privileges several times a year under these single pardons."

He said, "It is truly a ‘blind’ pardon system where no one knows who, why, or how the recipients are chosen. It is astonishing that this legacy from the monarchical era continues even into the 21st century." He emphasized, "All possibilities should be considered, including the complete abolition of the pardon and reinstatement system, and it must be redesigned."

Regarding reform methods, he stated, "A ‘Special Committee for Pardon and Reinstatement Reform’ should be formed within the National Assembly or the People Power Party to establish a new pardon and reinstatement system that can be accepted." He added, "Although our pardon system goes through an organization called the ‘Pardon Review Committee,’ it is effectively uncontrolled under the pretext of being the ‘exclusive authority of the president.’ Just as unchecked power leads to arrogance and abuse, an uncontrolled pardon system will only increase side effects over time."