Lee Junseok: "Park's Impeachment Was Justified"... Na Kyungwon: "Release Is Essential"

Impeachment and Pardon of Park Geun-hye Take Center Stage
Candidates Promise Swift Action on New Daegu-Gyeongbuk Airport

[Asia Economy, Reporter Naju Seok] At the joint rally of the People Power Party (PPP) held in Daegu and North Gyeongsang Province, issues such as the impeachment and pardon of former President Park Geun-hye were major points of contention.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

During the PPP joint rally held at EXCO in Daegu on June 3, candidate Lee Junseok commented on the impeachment of former President Park, stating, "I believe the impeachment was justified at that time because the country had fallen into a state of ungovernability." Lee also made it clear that, "As long as I am serving as party leader, I have no intention of raising the issue of a pardon in the public sphere," indicating that he would neither demand nor propose a pardon.

Lee referenced the "generosity" mentioned in former U.S. President Barack Obama's 2004 Democratic National Convention speech, emphasizing the importance of "coexistence with different opinions." He suggested that even if there are differing views regarding the impeachment of former President Park, efforts should be made to seek a path of coexistence.

He added, "If Daegu and North Gyeongsang can embrace these views of Lee Junseok, words like betrayal and revenge will never again circulate in our society," and, "Prosecutors who led investigations into President Park but stood up to the corruption of the Moon Jae-in administration will not be intimidated." This was an indirect reference to the removal of obstacles for former Prosecutor General Yoon Seokyeol to join the PPP.

Next, candidate Joo Hoeyoung took the stage, stating, "Two presidents from this region are imprisoned with no end in sight," referring to former Presidents Park Geun-hye and Lee Myung-bak, who are both incarcerated. In a conversation with reporters, he commented on Lee's mention of impeachment, saying, "It seems to be his answer regarding betraying the person who appointed him."

Candidate Hong Moonpyo criticized, "The Moon Jae-in administration is petty and disgraceful," and added, "If the conditions for a pardon are met, it is up to the president to decide. How shameful is it to say that a pardon cannot be granted just because of public opinion polls?" Hong asserted, "I believe an immediate pardon is necessary," and further stated, "Lee Jae-yong, Vice Chairman of Samsung Electronics, should also be pardoned."

Candidate Na Kyungwon pointed out, "Both former presidents are elderly and have been imprisoned for a long time," adding, "I will not plead for a pardon. However, I will ensure that they can be released."

The issue of the new Daegu-Gyeongbuk airport was also raised by several candidates. Candidate Cho Kyungtae said, "The special law on the new Gadeokdo airport has passed," and promised, "If I become party leader, I will make sure to push forward the construction of the new Daegu-Gyeongbuk airport."

Candidate Joo cited the phrase "If you belittle yourself, others will belittle you" from Mencius, criticizing the difficult situation faced by Daegu and North Gyeongsang. He said, "We have undermined all our engines of growth," and raised his voice, asking, "We have not been able to build the integrated new airport, so what will happen to the relocation of the Nakdong River water intake plant and the construction of the Yeongilman Bridge?"

Candidate Na also stated, "I am well aware of the push to build the new Daegu-Gyeongbuk airport," and added, "If National Assembly members agree, I will rename it the Park Chung-hee New Airport and proceed swiftly."

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