Lee Jae-myung on Park Geun-hye Pardon: "Situation Not Understood... Inappropriate to Comment Now"

[Asia Economy Reporter Oh Ju-yeon] Lee Jae-myung, the presidential candidate of the Democratic Party of Korea, refrained from commenting on the reports of a pardon for former President Park Geun-hye on the 24th, saying, "It is inappropriate to speak without understanding the situation."

Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party presidential candidate, is entering the press conference room at the central party office in Yeouido, Seoul, on the 22nd to announce his science and technology policy pledges. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

On the morning of the same day, Lee appeared on CBS Radio's 'Kim Hyun-jung's News Show' and said, "I only saw the list of article headlines on my way here this morning," adding, "Since the pardon committee's review and resolution and the Cabinet meeting's approval are required, it cannot be said that a decision has been made officially."

Lee, who has consistently opposed pardons for former presidents, said, "I have maintained a consistent position on (the pardon of former President Park Geun-hye) until now."

Regarding his recent opposition to Park's pardon, Lee explained, "I was stating a general principle," and added, "For example, it is right to pay a price, there should be a preventive effect to ensure such incidents do not happen again, and there should be an apology. That has been my existing stance."

He continued, "Now, if it is the stage of making a practical decision, I think it is appropriate to refrain from expressing a position at this time." When asked if he would accept the decision if President Moon Jae-in decides on a pardon as his exclusive authority, Lee replied, "Even then, I think it would be better to express my position once the final decision is made."

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