Lee Jae-myung: "Pardon Requires High-Level Political Judgment... No One Should Receive Special Privileges"

[Asia Economy Reporter Koo Chae-eun] Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party's presidential candidate and governor of Gyeonggi Province, maintained a principled stance on the pardon controversy involving former President Park Geun-hye and Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong on the 22nd, stating that no one should receive special favors.

During the third virtual press briefing held via Zoom on the same day, Lee prefaced by saying, "It is difficult to speak specifically as it may hinder the president's decision-making," and added, "If I were to speak frankly, I am of the opinion that pardons should not be granted because they constitute special favors." Lee emphasized, "No one should receive special favors through pardons," and stated, "I am particularly opposed to those who have enjoyed social power, status, or wealth receiving special favors for those reasons." He further explained, "Pardons are a matter of highly political judgment," and said, "Just as one should not speak carelessly about diplomatic issues, I should not keep adding comments, but since I am repeatedly asked, I respond. I regret that this may burden policy decisions."

Regarding speculation that Vice Chairman Lee may be granted parole in August, Lee said, "Parole is not a special favor but a system," and argued, "All inmates can benefit from it. Once a certain portion of the sentence is served, they become eligible for review, and there is no need to exclude someone from consideration just because of their high social status." He explained, "Whether someone qualifies for parole should be reviewed rationally and fairly according to established criteria," and added, "It should be judged the same way as for ordinary inmates."

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