Son Hak-kyu "Regret Opposing MB and Park's Pardon... Where Is the Country Heading?"

“Pardon Is the First Step Toward National Unity... Ruling Party Only Offers Excuses and Obsession”
“Not a Legal Exoneration or Forgiveness but a Political Compromise”
“Blue House Must Take Responsibility as Public Debate Has Reached This Level”

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Chun-han] Former Bareunmirae Party leader Sohn Hak-kyu expressed on the 4th regarding the controversy over the pardons of former Presidents Lee Myung-bak and Park Geun-hye, saying, "It is truly regrettable," and added, "Where is the country headed? This is my despair felt while watching the progress of the pardon debate."

On the same day, Sohn said on Facebook, "A pardon is the first step toward national unity," and criticized, "The position announced yesterday by the Democratic Party's Supreme Council was nothing but excuses and obsession, not repentance, as I had feared."

Sohn emphasized, "Opponents argue, 'Why pardon when the two former presidents have not apologized?' The apology demanded from former presidents is not a term that fits with pardons," and added, "What we are talking about today regarding pardons is not a legal exemption or forgiveness but a political compromise. It is merely the president's political decision for national unity."

Sohn pointed out, "Whether Democratic Party leader Lee Nak-yon had prior consultation with the Blue House is a matter of interest, but if you think about it, you will know. Given the political culture of our ruling party and Lee's political tendencies, he would not have acted against the president's will," and continued, "Even if there was no direct mention, it is certain that he perceived the president's intentions. However, some Democratic Party members are putting brakes on this political decision of the president."

Sohn stated, "The Blue House remains silent on the pardon debate, but now that it has become this public, the responsibility lies with the president. This is presidential leadership," and added, "Whether the nation moves toward division or unity depends on the president's leadership. The president must persuade the opposition to embrace and include even those who oppose the pardon as a path to integration."

Sohn said, "In fact, I myself was in political opposition to the two former presidents. I have many complaints about their political actions. There are many mistakes. However, I advocate their pardon for the sake of national unity," and concluded, "We are at a point where we must wash away the past and move toward a new era."

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