Lee Nak-yeon Apologizes for 'MB·Park Pardon Theory'... Jeong Cheong-rae Says, "No Business Beats the People, Well Done"

On the 21st of last month, Jeong Cheong-rae, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, is speaking at the Education Committee plenary meeting held at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Choyoung] On the 16th, former Democratic Party leader and presidential candidate Lee Nak-yeon officially apologized for his remarks on the 'pardon theory' for former presidents, and Democratic Party lawmaker Jeong Cheong-rae praised him, saying, "I applaud the courageous apology."

On the same day, Jeong shared a related article on his Facebook and wrote, "There is no business that wins over the people. You did well with today's public apology."

Jeong said, "When the pardon theory was raised earlier this year, I immediately opposed it for five reasons," adding, "No matter how much one is a former president, a pardon is only possible after a legally confirmed judgment, and without an apology and reflection from the person who committed the crime, what kind of pardon is that? This does not align with the spirit of the Candlelight Movement and violates the constitutional principle emphasizing equality before the law."

He explained, "The person who was in trouble due to the sudden proposal of the pardon theory has apologized for raising the pardon theory," adding, "If you find yourself on the wrong path while walking, you must correct it immediately and take the right path. Knowing it is the wrong path but ignoring it for the sake of pride is a bigger mistake."

He continued, "There are people who, even after the Supreme Court's final ruling, neither reflect on their mistakes nor apologize, and some have performed comedies that even cows would laugh at, claiming they lived an honest life without remorse," adding, "I applaud the courageous apology."

Meanwhile, former leader Lee held a press conference at the Democratic Party Gwangju City Party Office on the same day and apologized regarding the pardon theory, saying, "I mentioned it as one way to ease conflicts among the people for South Korea to move toward the future," and "I did not fully consider the will of the people and the spirit of the Candlelight Movement."

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