Kim Eo-jun "MB Pardon? Nonsense... No One Knows President Moon's Decision"

"Amnesty Is What President-Elect Yoon's Side Wants... The Democratic Party Has No Reason to Be Frustrated"
Emphasis on Amnesty Power as a 'President's Exclusive Authority'

On July 25, 2019, President Moon Jae-in is seen heading to the meeting room after presenting the appointment letter to Yoon Seok-yeol, then the newly appointed Prosecutor General and now the President-elect.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Hyun-joo] Broadcaster Kim Eo-jun commented on the pardon controversy surrounding former President Lee Myung-bak, stating "The articles about Lee Myung-bak's special pardon so far are nonsense," and added, "(A pardon) is the president's prerogative and exclusive authority," he revealed.

On the 16th, Kim said on his TBS radio show 'Kim Eo-jun's News Factory' regarding the pardon, "President Moon Jae-in is not someone who would decide based on the many related articles, wondering if this is public opinion."

Kim dismissed the reports by saying, "The current articles are pushing as if (the former president's pardon) has almost been decided, but it's all nonsense," and added, "I don't know what decision President Moon will make, nor does anyone around him, no one knows."

Regarding President-elect Yoon Seok-youl's official stance on recommending a pardon, Kim said, "That much shows what Yoon's side wants," and added, "There are articles saying the Democratic Party's intentions are complicated, but they are not. From the Democratic Party's perspective, there is nothing frustrating."

However, the luncheon meeting between President Moon and President-elect Yoon scheduled for that day was canceled. Blue House spokesperson Park Kyung-mi stated in a written briefing, "The meeting schedule was postponed because practical consultations were not finalized," and added, "Consultations at the working level will continue."

Earlier, Yoon's side had indicated that they would request a pardon for Lee Myung-bak during the meeting. Spokesperson Kim Eun-hye of the President-elect said at a briefing at the People Power Party headquarters in Yeouido, Seoul, the day before, "President-elect Yoon has long held the view of requesting a pardon for former President Lee Myung-bak. Therefore, we hope this meeting will serve as an opportunity for national unity and harmony."

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