Innovation Party Lawmaker Kim Junhyeong: "Cho Kuk's Pardon Could Be a Decision to Reverse an Excessive Sentence"

Kim Junhyeong: "There is a national consensus that Cho Kuk's family was devastated by politically motivated investigations"
Explains, "A pardon is an administrative measure to address judicial errors"
Responds to concerns: "The Lee Jaemyung administration is not that weak... This will not shake the government"
On potential party merger: "Some opinions exist, but I think differently... Cho Kuk aims to establish his own political base"
Regarding opposition: "Such positions are possible, but there were questionable aspects in the investigation process"
Emphasizes, "The sentence was already excessive... A pardon can reverse an overly harsh punishment"

As President Lee Jaemyung is expected to decide on August 11 whether to grant a Liberation Day special pardon and reinstatement to Cho Kuk, former leader of the Innovation Party, Kim Junhyeong, a lawmaker from the Innovation Party, stated, "There is a national consensus regarding the fact that Cho Kuk's family was devastated as a result of politically motivated investigations by prosecutors."

During an appearance on CBS Radio's 'Kim Hyunjung's News Show' that day, Kim said, "A pardon is an administrative measure to address problems when the judiciary makes incorrect decisions," explaining his position.

Regarding concerns that pardoning Cho Kuk could be a political burden for the Lee Jaemyung administration, he responded, "The Lee Jaemyung administration is not that weak," and added, "I don't believe this is an issue that could shake the government." Addressing opinions that the pardon should be postponed until the end of the year, he said, "Even without a pardon, it is common for exemplary inmates to be released after serving about 75% of their sentence," and argued, "A year-end pardon would have little political impact."

Cho Kuk, former leader of the Innovation Party.

When asked about the possibility that Cho Kuk's pardon and reinstatement could lead to a merger between the Democratic Party and the Innovation Party, he said, "There are such opinions, but personally, I think differently." He continued, "Our party did not field a candidate in the last presidential election, but even then, I believed we should have. Filling this gap is necessary for political progress. Politics is ever-changing, so it is hard to predict the future, but I believe Cho Kuk's current intention is to return and establish his own political base."

Regarding opposition to Cho Kuk's pardon, he said, "Such positions are possible," but added, "For example, in the United States, even if someone is 99% certain to be guilty of murder, if there are procedural flaws in the investigation, they are often acquitted. If evidence is collected illegally, acquittals are not uncommon. In this respect, there are also questionable aspects in Cho Kuk's investigation process."

He further stated, "Cho Kuk has expressed regret over certain matters and is serving his sentence in accordance with the court's decision. In fact, even in cases involving violent crimes or political bribery, suspended sentences are often handed down. Given this, the sentence Cho Kuk received was already excessive, and a pardon is a way to address that." He added, "A pardon can be an important decision to reverse an overly harsh sentence."