Cho Kuk Included in Liberation Day Special Amnesty Review... President Lee's Final Decision Pending

Amnesty Review Committee Convenes
at Gwacheon Government Complex
to Prepare for Liberation Day Special Pardon

Yonhap News

The Ministry of Justice's Amnesty Review Committee convened at the Gwacheon Government Complex from 2 p.m. on August 7 to prepare for the first special pardon under the Lee Jaemyung administration, and is currently reviewing candidates for the August 15 Liberation Day special amnesty.

The Amnesty Review Committee is composed of three internal members?Minister of Justice Jeong Seongho, Director General of the Criminal Affairs Bureau Seong Sangheon, and Chief of the Public Trial and Litigation Department at the Supreme Prosecutors' Office Cha Beomjun?as well as at least four external members.

After the committee narrows down the list of candidates for pardon and reinstatement through its discussions, Minister Jeong will submit the results to President Lee Jaemyung. The final decision will be made following deliberation and approval at the Cabinet meeting scheduled for August 12.

Former Minister of Justice Cho Kuk, who has been the main focus of attention for this round of pardons, is reported to have been included in the list of candidates under review. Although President Lee's "final decision" remains, Cho's inclusion on the list makes his pardon and reinstatement highly likely.

In contrast, Lee Hwayoung, former Vice Governor for Peace of Gyeonggi Province, who recently made a direct request for pardon and reinstatement, is reported to have been excluded from the review list. Among other figures from the ruling bloc, former Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education Superintendent Cho Heeyeon is also being mentioned as a candidate for pardon.

Former Superintendent Cho was indicted on charges of abusing his authority to appoint five dismissed teachers between October and December 2018. Last year, the Supreme Court finalized a sentence of one year and six months in prison, suspended for two years, resulting in his loss of office.

Recently, Song Eonseok, acting leader and floor leader of the People Power Party, was seen sending the names of former lawmakers Jeong Chanmin, Hong Moonjong, and Shim Hakbong via text message to Kang Hunsik, Chief Presidential Secretary. However, Song later changed his position during a meeting with Minister Jeong, stating, "I oppose the pardon of politicians. I will also withdraw the list of names I submitted."

It is also possible that a large number of construction union and Cargo Truckers Solidarity Union workers, who were imprisoned during mass strikes under the previous administration, will be included in the pardon.