Park Beom-gye "Park Geun-hye's special pardon is the president's will... I am also somewhat disappointed with the Corruption Investigation Office"

Minister of Justice Park Beom-gye is entering the Government Seoul Office in Jongno-gu, Seoul on the 24th for a briefing related to the 2022 special pardon, which includes the special pardon of former President Park Geun-hye and the reinstatement of former Prime Minister Han Myeong-sook. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyung-min] Park Beom-gye, Minister of Justice, stated regarding the special pardon of former President Park Geun-hye, "I received the president's intention regarding the pardon of former President Park Geun-hye."

Minister Park appeared on KBS's 'Sunday Diagnosis Live' on the 26th and explained the background of the pardon, saying, "Afterwards, on the 17th, I first discussed the pardon plan for the former president and former Prime Minister (Han Myeong-sook) with the Director of the Prosecutor's Office."

Regarding the second meeting of the Pardon Review Committee held on the 21st, Minister Park said, "I first heard the opinions of the civilian members, most of whom were in favor. The majority of government members also supported it," adding, "It was difficult to call it a vote; it was a procedure to listen to opinions."

The government carried out a special pardon on the 31st, pardoning and reinstating former President Park Geun-hye, reinstating former Prime Minister Han Myeong-sook who had completed her sentence, and pardoning a total of 3,094 people.

In this interview, Minister Park also shared his views on the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office investigation into the Daejang-dong development bribery and preferential treatment allegations.

Regarding former Seongnam Urban Development Corporation Development Headquarters Director Yoo Han-gi and Development Division 1 Chief Kim Moon-gi, who were found dead after being under investigation until recently, Minister Park said, "I do not think there were harsh acts or special coercion, but I regret that human rights were not sufficiently protected throughout the investigation and prosecution process."

In response to criticism that the prosecution investigation team’s momentum has declined, he said, "The prosecution's will and ability to investigate the preferential treatment aspects in the Daejang-dong project design process were by no means lacking. However, regarding the bribery allegations, the rejection of the arrest warrant request for former lawmaker Kwak Sang-do significantly weakened the investigation, and I think that is a future challenge."

Regarding calls to introduce a special prosecutor to investigate the Daejang-dong case, Minister Park said, "With about 70 days left until the presidential election, I doubt whether a special prosecutor can produce results completely free from political considerations."

About the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO), he said, "I also feel that the public's expectations for the CIO have not been met, and I am somewhat disappointed as well," but added, "If we compare it to a soccer team, it is like demanding a newly formed team to bring home the championship trophy immediately."

He continued, "The CIO is a symbol of prosecutorial reform in Korean society that began with the Kim Dae-jung administration, and if there are shortcomings, I believe the priority should be to supplement and encourage it."

Finally, regarding rumors of his candidacy in next year's local elections, Minister Park said, "If President Moon Jae-in does not abandon me, I plan to serve my term until May 8 of next year."

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