Park Hyung-jun "Welcomes Passport Pardon Proposal... Moon Jae-in Should Grant Pardon as Soon as Possible"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyemin] Park Hyung-jun, the preliminary candidate of the People Power Party who declared his candidacy for the Busan mayoral by-election in April next year, stated on the 2nd that he "welcomes the pardon proposal regardless of the intention" regarding Lee Nak-yeon's suggestion to pardon two former presidents from the Democratic Party of Korea.

Park, who served as the Senior Secretary for Political Affairs at the Blue House during the Lee Myung-bak administration, said on his Facebook that "I hope a swift pardon will be made." Lee had announced the day before that he would recommend a pardon for former Presidents Lee Myung-bak and Park Geun-hye to President Moon Jae-in.

Park said, "The two former presidents were once representatives of the Republic of Korea and symbols of national dignity," adding, "They are effectively serving life sentences in places with a high risk of COVID-19 infection at their advanced ages."

He continued, "A pardon is necessary both for national unity and for national dignity," emphasizing, "The majority of the people will also welcome the pardon as a measure to move forward from the past toward the future."

He stated, "One of the biggest problems in the Republic of Korea is politics of hostility and hatred, which threatens national unity and democracy," and added, "We cannot continue extreme divisive politics forever." He further said, "During this very difficult time for all citizens due to COVID-19, I hope reconciliation through a pardon will help overcome the crisis with the power of reconciliation."

Park emphasized, "The power of pardon is a special authority granted to the head of state entrusted by the people. It is a power given to the president to make highly political decisions that help the cohesion and harmony of the national community," and added, "I hope President Moon will pardon the two former presidents as soon as possible."

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