Kim Kyung-soo Strongly Opposes Parole... "He Claimed Innocence, So What's This Now?"

"Parole is a system for those who show remorse, no reason to include him"
Ki Dong-min "Former Governor Kim expressed that he does not want parole under this government"
"Even without eligibility to run, political activities after release are possible"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] On the 14th, Ki Dong-min, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, reported that former Gyeongsangnam-do Governor Kim Kyung-soo, who is currently incarcerated, has actively expressed opposition to his own parole. For Kim, who has maintained his innocence, he believes he cannot be included as a parole candidate based on the premise of 'remorse.'

On the same day, during an appearance on MBC Radio's "Kim Jong-bae's Focus," Representative Ki said, "Yesterday, the parole opposition letter was made public through Kim Jeong-soon, his spouse, wasn't it?" He added, "(Kim Kyung-soo) said that parole is a system intended for those who clearly show remorse and reflection, but since he has consistently claimed innocence, he believes there is no reason for him to be included in parole."

He continued, "(Kim Kyung-soo) did not want parole, so the procedures are not being carried out due to political misunderstandings. He has clearly expressed his intention not to seek parole within this government," he said.

Representative Ki stated, "Discussions about parole and pardon are ultimately meant for national unity, but the current pardon discussions seem to be 'by Lee Myung-bak, for Lee Myung-bak, and only for Lee Myung-bak.' I think Kim Kyung-soo cautiously expressed his thoughts on this."

It was reported that Kim Kyung-soo actively opposed parole. Representative Ki said, "According to Kim's wife, even if Kim Kyung-soo does not want parole, he has a clear will to check the legal grounds on whether he can legally respond or refuse to leave if parole is granted."

Regarding reactions from government officials suggesting that pardon might become difficult after it became known that Kim Kyung-soo does not want parole, Representative Ki described them as "extremely impulsive and petty responses." He also commented on the joint discussion of pardons for former President Lee Myung-bak and Kim Kyung-soo, saying, "Former President Lee has more than 15 years left on his sentence, but Kim Kyung-soo will be released upon completion of his term in May next year."

About Kim Kyung-soo's political activities after release, he said, "Although his right to run for office will not be restored until 2028, other political activities are fully possible. Individuals who played key roles in the Moon Jae-in government, the Roh Moo-hyun government, and other democratic governments have the freedom to choose, but political responsibilities and roles demanded by the public and the collective must also be fulfilled. Kim Kyung-soo is no exception." This implies that Kim Kyung-soo's political activities are seen as 'not a choice but an obligation.'

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