Kim Kyung-soo: "I will not be MB's stooge"... Rejects 'pardons without lottery'

Gidongmin Conveys Kim Kyungsoo's Position via Facebook
"Must Not Be a Stooge for MB's Customized Special Envoy"

Former Governor Kim Kyung-soo of Gyeongnam. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Juhee] Former President Lee Myung-bak (MB) and former Gyeongnam Governor Kim Kyung-soo, who is strongly mentioned as a candidate for the year-end special pardon, have reportedly expressed to those around them that "I do not want parole" and "I will not be a sidekick to MB's pardon." Former Governor Kim is currently serving a prison sentence after being sentenced to two years in prison by the Supreme Court last July for the 'Druking comment manipulation' case.

On the 13th, Democratic Party lawmaker Ki Dong-min conveyed Kim's position through Facebook, demanding President Yoon Suk-yeol to "carry out the pardon and restoration of rights for national unity sincerely and boldly." He argued that not only a pardon but also restoration of eligibility to run for office should be granted so that Kim can return to politics. Without restoration, Kim's eligibility to run for office will be restricted until May 2028, preventing him from running in elections.

Lawmaker Ki addressed President Yoon, saying, "I hope you do not show the pitiful appearance of just making up the numbers by pardoning only former President Lee." He criticized, "The Yoon Suk-yeol administration has previously disqualified Kim, who did not even want parole, in the last two parole review processes. After that, it should not make Kim a sidekick for MB's tailor-made special pardon."

He continued, "I feel that the Yoon administration is using tricks while considering the special pardon. Kim has already served more than 70% of his sentence and is scheduled to be released in May next year," adding, "You cannot exchange MB's 15 years for Kim Kyung-soo's 5 months."

Lawmaker Ki said, "The pardon power is the president's inherent right guaranteed by the Constitution," and added, "There have been criticisms that it has been selectively used based on political interests. The new government has already exercised it once, so if it is to do it a second time, justification is important. If there is willingness, the president should exercise the pardon power in accordance with the spirit of the Constitution to realize true national unity."

He added, "If there is a will to overcome confrontation, conflict, discrimination, and exclusion, President Yoon must prove it," and said, "A full pardon and restoration of rights for former Governor Kim and others will be a barometer showing President Yoon's will and sincerity for unity."

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