Following the Religious Sector, An Minseok Also Appeals to President Moon for 'Jeong Gyeongsim Pardon'

An Minseok "There Are Families Devastated by Prosecutorial Power Abuse"
Catholic, Jogye Order, and Other Religious Groups Have Also Petitioned for Former Professor Jeong's Pardon

Following the religious community, Ahn Min-seok, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, requested a special pardon for former professor Jeong Gyeong-sim from President Moon Jae-in.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kim Se-eun] Following the religious community, Democratic Party of Korea lawmaker An Min-seok also continued to demand a pardon for Professor Jeong Gyeong-sim.

On the 24th, An stated on Facebook, "There are those who suffered during the prosecution reform process, and families who were ruined due to the abuse of prosecutorial power."

He added, "Even if restoration to the original state is forever impossible, at least minimal consideration should be given now," and claimed, "(Former Professor Jeong and others) were not investigated but were almost hunted."

He then strongly appealed, "I ask President Moon to pardon former Professor Jeong," and "Please exercise the constitutionally guaranteed authority before the president’s term ends to help former Minister Cho Kuk’s family reunite."

Earlier, veteran Christian figures in the underground, including Father Song Gi-in, a 'mentor' to President Moon Jae-in, and Father Ham Se-ung, also requested President Moon to pardon former Professor Jeong. They drew attention as senior figures who have long-standing ties with President Moon and social movements.

On the 28th of last month, Fathers Song and Ham, along with Pastor Kim Sang-geun, submitted petitions titled "Appeal and Prayer to the President" through the Blue House’s Office of Civil Society, demanding pardons for former Professor Jeong and former Unified Progressive Party lawmaker Lee Seok-ki.

Among the petitions, regarding former Professor Jeong, it was confirmed that the content included, "While it is true that illegal acts were committed, there is an unfair aspect to the damage suffered by the entire family due to the prosecution’s investigation of former Minister Cho."

The Buddhist community also reportedly petitioned President Moon through the Blue House’s Office of Civil Society on the 24th to pardon former Professor Jeong, former President Lee Myung-bak, and former Gyeongnam Governor Kim Kyung-soo. This is interpreted as being mindful of 'national unity' ahead of Buddha’s Birthday on May 8.

A Jogye Order official said regarding former Professor Jeong, "(His) illegal acts were wrong, but many monks and believers feel sorrow over the disadvantages suffered because of her husband."

He continued, "Former Professor Jeong’s health deteriorated to the point of collapsing while in prison," and explained the background of the pardon request, saying, "We conveyed a petition hoping for leniency in these respects."

The Buddhist community’s petition for pardons for former Professor Jeong and others is interpreted as being mindful of 'national unity' around Buddha’s Birthday on May 8.

Meanwhile, May 8 is also the day before President Moon’s term ends next month.

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