Song Eonseok Withdraws Liberation Day Pardon Request..."Opposes Any Political Pardons"

Song Eonseok Meets with Justice Minister Jung Sungho
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Song Eonseok, Emergency Response Committee Chairman and Floor Leader of the People Power Party, announced on the 6th that he has withdrawn his request to the presidential office for pardons and reinstatements for former lawmakers from his own party, stating, "The People Power Party opposes any political pardons during this Liberation Day."

At a meeting with Justice Minister Jung Sungho at the National Assembly that afternoon, Song said, "I ask the Minister to ensure that the Liberation Day special pardon excludes politicians and focuses on those convicted of livelihood-related crimes," adding, "I will also withdraw the list I previously submitted."

People Power Party's Song Eonseok, Emergency Response Committee Chairman and Floor Leader, is greeting Justice Minister Jung Sungho, who paid a courtesy visit to the National Assembly on the 6th to mark his inauguration. Photo by Yonhap News

Previously, on the afternoon of the 4th, Song was seen in the main chamber of the National Assembly sending a Telegram message to Kang Hunsik, Chief Presidential Secretary, requesting a special Liberation Day pardon and reinstatement for Kim, the spouse of former Incheon Mayor Ahn Sangsoo, as well as for former lawmakers Chung Chanmin, Hong Moonjong, and Shim Hakbong.

The spouse of former Mayor Ahn was sentenced to one year in prison in 2021 for providing tens of millions of won to the head of a PR agency during the People Power Party's 20th presidential primary. Former lawmaker Chung lost his seat after being sentenced to seven years in prison for accepting bribes while serving as mayor of Yongin.

Additionally, former lawmaker Hong was sentenced to four years and six months in prison for embezzling and misappropriating 7.5 billion won in school funds while serving as chairman of a private school foundation and university president in 2012. Former lawmaker Shim was sentenced to four years and three months in prison in 2013 for accepting bribes in exchange for favors.

There have been criticisms both inside and outside the party that Song's request for pardons and reinstatements for politicians who have been convicted of various offenses was inappropriate.

During a press briefing that morning, when asked if he had any intention of withdrawing the pardon request list, Song avoided a direct answer, saying, "I don't think that's the important issue right now." However, as public criticism grew, he appears to have decided to withdraw the request later in the day.

It is also interpreted that Song's declaration of opposition to political pardons was influenced by growing calls for a special Liberation Day pardon for Cho Kuk, former leader of the Rebuilding Korea Party.

According to political sources, former President Moon Jae-in reportedly conveyed to Woo Sangho, Senior Presidential Secretary for Political Affairs, the previous day that Cho should be included in the list of those to be pardoned on Liberation Day.

Last December, Cho was sentenced to two years in prison by the Supreme Court for involvement in his children's admissions fraud and for interfering with a Blue House inspection. His scheduled release date is December 15 next year.

Song also urged Minister Jung to conduct a thorough investigation into lawmaker Lee Choonseok, who is facing allegations of investing in stocks under borrowed names.

Song emphasized, "If lawmaker Lee used inside information obtained from a National Assembly committee for investment purposes, or intervened in the selection of national AI champion companies for personal gain, this would constitute a very serious breach of national discipline," adding, "Because it is highly unlikely that lawmaker Lee obtained inside information alone, a comprehensive investigation should be conducted into everyone involved, and the matter must be thoroughly investigated."

Regarding prosecution reform, Song said, "The Democratic Party is rushing to complete the dismantling of the prosecution before Chuseok, but I ask Minister Jung and the government to maintain a steady course," adding, "The People Power Party also agrees with the necessity of prosecution reform. If the government leads dialogue to achieve social consensus, the opposition party will of course actively cooperate."