75 Days Before the Presidential Election, Moon Throws the 'Pardon Card'

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] President Moon Jae-in has decided on a special pardon for former President Park Geun-hye and former Prime Minister Han Myeong-sook.

President Moon stated the reason for the pardon during a spokesperson briefing immediately after the special pardon was decided at the Cabinet meeting on the morning of the 24th: "We must overcome the pain of the past era and move forward to a new era."

President Moon said, "Rather than being stuck in the past and fighting each other, it is time to boldly unite and move toward the future," adding, "Considering the numerous challenges ahead of us, national unity and humble inclusion are more urgent than anything else." He also noted that the health condition of former President Park, who has served nearly five years in prison, had significantly deteriorated.

President Moon added, "I hope this pardon will become an opportunity for integration, harmony, and the opening of a new era beyond differences in thought or support and opposition," and requested "the broad understanding and generosity of those who oppose the pardon."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

The sudden special pardon, carried out 75 days before the presidential election, is expected to inevitably spark political controversy. Although President Moon cited reasons such as national unity and the health condition of elderly individuals, fierce debates began on the same day over whether the pardon meets public consensus. Presidential candidates, who must consider the impact on the election, evaluated the purpose of the pardon through their respective positions, revealing suspicions about the political calculations involved.

Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party presidential candidate who has consistently opposed pardons for former presidents, appeared on the radio before the official pardon decision and said, "It is inappropriate to comment without understanding the situation," but added, "It would be better to express my position once the final decision is made." Yoon Seok-youl, the People Power Party presidential candidate, said, "Although late, I welcome it. I have heard a lot about the poor health condition, and I hope for a speedy recovery."

On the same day, the Ministry of Justice held a briefing at the Government Seoul Office in Jongno-gu, Seoul, announcing that a special New Year's pardon and reinstatement for 3,094 people, including former President Park and former Prime Minister Han, will be carried out as of the 31st of 2022.

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