Joo Ho-young "Lee Nak-yeon, ruling party leader should keep promises... If you said it, ensure the pardon is carried out" (Comprehensive)

[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. He urged Lee Nak-yeon, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, to "stand by your words" and push for the pardons.

After the emergency committee meeting held at the National Assembly on the morning of the 4th, Floor Leader Joo told reporters, "Shouldn't you stand by your words?" He said this after telling Lee Nak-yeon during the meeting, "Take at least minimal responsibility for what you said."

He added, "You said you would propose it when the opportunity arises, but if you said that much, shouldn't you see it through?" and pointed out, "The ruling party leader's words, like the previous (Yoon Seok-yeol Prosecutor General) state audit being distorted, what is that about?"

During the emergency committee meeting that day, he said, "Pardons are possible through President Moon's political decision," and "Pardons should not be used for political purposes or played with."

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

He also urged the Democratic Party to accept the opposition's demand for an urgent vaccine-related 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 our country will be more than five months behind other countries," and "The public is curious about when vaccines will be administered in our country and the order and plan for it."

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

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