Joo Ho-young: "Do not play games with pardoning former presidents... Moon's decision is necessary"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporters Lee Ji-eun and Lim Chun-han] Joo Ho-young, floor leader of the People Power Party, demanded President Moon's decision, saying "Do not use pardons for political purposes," in response to voices mainly from the ruling party calling for "reflection and apology" regarding the pardons of former presidents.

At the emergency committee meeting held at the National Assembly on the morning of the 4th, Floor Leader Joo said, "Pardons are possible through President Moon's political decision."

He added, "Lee Nak-yeon, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, said he would propose pardons with the caveat 'if there is an opportunity,' but yesterday at the Democratic Party's Supreme Council meeting, they again said something strange, that 'reflection and apology must be a prerequisite.' Pardons should not be used for political purposes or toyed with."

Floor Leader Joo said, "In cases where both parties claim to be wronged in political trials, demanding apologies or reflection means not granting pardons. We expect President Moon's decision, and Lee Nak-yeon must take at least minimal responsibility for his words."

He also urged the Democratic Party to accept the opposition's request for an urgent vaccine inquiry scheduled for the 6th. Floor Leader Joo raised his voice, saying, "Countries that are fast in the world are gradually administering high-quality vaccines and forming herd immunity, but it seems that our country will be more than five months behind other countries. The public is curious about when vaccines will be administered in our country and in what order and plan."

He said, "It is the duty of responsible government officials to come to the National Assembly and disclose the government's exact plans and expectations," and added, "If the Democratic Party does not accept the urgent inquiry request, it means admitting that there are various problems in the government's vaccine measures that cannot be disclosed to the public."

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