President Moon's Pardon Proposal Puts Lee Nak-yeon in a Dilemma... Betting on the Profit-Sharing System as a Winning Move

Lee Nak-yeon, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is attending the 4.7 by-election Public Official Recommendation Committee meeting held at the National Assembly on the 19th, delivering a greeting./Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeon Jinyoung] President Moon Jae-in drew a line by saying "Now is not the time to discuss" regarding the pardons of former Presidents Lee Myung-bak and Park Geun-hye, putting Lee Nak-yeon, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea who had proposed the pardon theory, in a difficult position. Instead of abandoning the pardon theory, Lee launched the profit-sharing system as a strategic move.

In a media interview, Lee expressed his intention to recommend pardons for the two former presidents to the president as a means of national unity. However, as opposition from Democratic Party supporters grew, Lee and the party leadership settled on the position that "public consensus must come first," and refrained from further mention in official settings.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

However, at the New Year's press conference on the 18th, President Moon said, "Now is not the time to talk about pardons," adding, "The public's common sense will not tolerate movements demanding pardons as a way to deny past wrongdoings." He further stated, "If there is another severe division of public opinion over pardons, it will not help unity but rather harm it," putting Lee's position, who had brought up the 'pardon card' as a method of unity, in an awkward situation.

Ultimately, with the situation concluded by drawing a line on the pardon theory, Lee visited Gwangju on the same day to solidify support in Honam, considered the Democratic Party's stronghold. However, he faced anti-pardon protesters holding placards. Even the party's core supporters were not easily swayed.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Seemingly aware of this, Lee posted on Facebook at 10 p.m. that day, emphasizing the profit-sharing system instead of the pardon theory. He stated, "I respect the president's intention that now is not the time to talk about pardons," while emphasizing, "The president evaluated the profit-sharing system promoted by the Democratic Party, which I proposed, as desirable." He added, "The president ordered that it be implemented through voluntary participation by companies, which aligns with the Democratic Party's view," and said, "We will prepare attractive incentives to encourage voluntary participation."

As the profit-sharing system emerges as a strategic move, attention is focused on whether the 'charismatic' Lee Nak-yeon leadership can rise again. Key party officials unanimously agreed, saying, "A breakthrough is needed." A lawmaker belonging to the leadership told Asia Economy on the 19th, "Lee faced risks as his support base reacted negatively to the pardon controversy," adding, "This time, he will create a breakthrough by presenting a different vision." However, regarding the pardon theory, he cautioned against overinterpretation, saying, "The idea that consensus must be a prerequisite aligns with the party's position. There is no significant divergence between President Moon and Lee." Another top committee member said in a call, "It is time to find a way to overcome the situation, and (Lee) will prepare accordingly."

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