Moon urges change in TK region for next year's local elections
On August 7, former President Moon Jae-in asked Democratic Party leader Jung Chungrae, "This time, with the government being launched stably for the first time, it seems that we will be able to carry out a number of reform tasks quickly and properly. Please do your best." In contrast, neither Moon nor Jung made any mention of Cho Kuk, the former leader of the Cho Kuk Innovation Party, whose possible pardon has recently been discussed. This appears to be an attempt to support President Lee Jaemyung's administration while minimizing any burdens.
According to Democratic Party spokesperson Kwon Hyangyeop, former President Moon made these remarks while congratulating Jung on being elected with strong support from party members and delegates during Jung's visit to Moon's residence in Pyeongsan Village, Yangsan, South Gyeongsang Province, on the same day.
Former President Moon also told Jung, "Just as the Lee Jaemyung administration was launched with high approval ratings, public expectations are very high for next year's local elections. Please do your best until then." In particular, he asked Jung to ensure that the Democratic Party could bring about change not only in Busan, Ulsan, and South Gyeongsang (the so-called "Bu-Ul-Gyeong" region), where the party is receiving a positive response, but also in Daegu and North Gyeongsang (the "TK" region).
Regarding the Democratic Party's establishment of a special committee on national veterans policy, Jung stated, "We will work even harder on projects honoring patriots." On inter-Korean exchanges, he emphasized, "When President Moon was in office, there was inter-Korean cooperation, such as visits to Pyongyang, but over the past three years, much of that foundation seems to have eroded, which is regrettable. We will work to restore those aspects."
However, the two did not discuss the possibility of a pardon for former leader Cho during their meeting. When asked by reporters whether the topic of Cho's pardon had come up, spokesperson Kwon replied, "There was absolutely nothing about that," and added, "There was no mention of a pardon at all."
It has been reported that Cho has been included among the candidates for the Ministry of Justice's special Liberation Day (August 15) pardon this year. However, only President Lee's final decision, including approval by the Cabinet, remains. The fact that Moon and Jung did not bring up Cho's pardon is interpreted as a move to avoid putting pressure on President Lee, who holds the authority to grant pardons. During the recent party leadership race, Jung also avoided commenting on Cho's pardon, stating that it is the exclusive prerogative of the president.
Prior to visiting former President Moon, Jung visited Bongha Village in Gimhae, South Gyeongsang Province, where he paid respects at the grave of the late former President Roh Moo-hyun and met with Kwon Yangsook, the former First Lady. In the guestbook, Jung wrote, "President Roh Moo-hyun! This is Jung Chungrae. I will do my best," and became emotional as he laid flowers in front of Roh's memorial stone as the representative of the visitors.
Spokesperson Kwon said, "Jung Chungrae is the first National Assembly member to come from 'Nosamo' (the Roh Moo-hyun supporters' group)," and added, "During the recent party leadership election, it seems that many of them (Nosamo) helped from all over the country."
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