Jeong Cheong-rae: "Lee Myung-bak Talks About 'Pardon' Just One Day After Re-imprisonment, a Historic Comedy"

"Apology Comes First... How Can One Pardon Someone Who Does Not Admit Guilt?"

Jeong Cheong-rae, Democratic Party of Korea / Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Juhyung] Jeong Cheong-rae, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, criticized some opposition lawmakers' calls for a pardon for former President Lee Myung-bak, calling it "a historic comedy" to talk about a 'pardon' just one day after re-imprisonment.

In a post on his Facebook on the 4th, Jeong wrote, "Forgiveness and tolerance belong to the victims, not the perpetrators. It is only possible when the victims' grievances are resolved," adding, "Since the Supreme Court confirmed the 17-year sentence for Lee Myung-bak, he has not even uttered the common phrase 'I respect the court's ruling.' A pardon is only possible after admitting guilt, reflecting, and apologizing, so how can we forgive someone who does not admit guilt?"

He continued, "Lee Myung-bak neither admitted guilt, reflected, nor sought forgiveness," and pointed out, "On the contrary, he showed the height of arrogance by acting as if he were some kind of independence activist, saying, 'You can imprison me, but you cannot imprison the truth.'"

He emphasized, "If he is to be pardoned even in the distant future, first of all, the BBK case must be investigated, and the prosecution at the time that gave him a false clean bill of health must be investigated and made to pay the appropriate price."

Jeong said, "Lee Myung-bak must compensate those who suffered damages from the BBK stock manipulation," and "There must be a comprehensive apology to those who shed tears due to civilian surveillance and other acts during his administration."

Former President Lee Myung-bak / Photo by Yonhap News

He added, "Before advocating for a pardon, it is more urgent to request a retrial for former lawmaker Jeong Bong-ju and to clear his grievances, as well as to make a statement on the national treasury losses caused by the Four Major Rivers Project."

Meanwhile, on the 29th of last month, the Supreme Court's 2nd Division (Presiding Justice Park Sang-ok) upheld the original sentence of 17 years in prison, a fine of 13 billion won, and a confiscation of 5.78 billion won against former President Lee Myung-bak in the final appeal trial for charges including violation of the Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Crimes (bribery).

Immediately after the ruling, former President Lee, through his legal representative lawyer Kang Hoon, stated, "The rule of law has collapsed. I am worried about the future of the country," and "The truth will be revealed."

Some in the political sphere have called for a pardon for the former president. On the 3rd, Ha Tae-kyung, a member of the People Power Party, appeared on a radio broadcast and said, "It is difficult to defend him because he clearly did wrong, but he was the face of the country, so it is very regrettable," adding, "When the entire trial of former presidents is over, President Moon Jae-in should generously grant a pardon."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.