Lee Won-wook: "Kim Tae-woo's Pardon, a Stain on the History of Special Pardons"

Lee Won-wook, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, criticized the inclusion of former Seoul Gangseo District Mayor Kim Tae-woo, who was convicted of leaking secrets learned in the course of official duties related to allegations of cover-up by the Blue House's special inspection team during the Moon Jae-in administration and whose one-year prison sentence was confirmed by the Supreme Court in May this year, in the special pardon list for Liberation Day, saying it "has become a stain in the history of special pardons."

On the 14th, Lee posted on his social media (SNS) under the title "On shamelessness and lack of decency," stating, "With the pardon of former Mayor Kim, the public now regards the president's pardon power as a symbol of double standards (doing something myself is romance, but if others do it, it's an affair) and privilege."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Lee said, "Moreover, the pardon came only three months after the confirmed verdict, disregarding the judiciary's authority. Even if the pardon power is the president's prerogative, this has gone too far," adding, "If abused, it must be criticized, and mechanisms to prevent abuse must be established. That is the role of the National Assembly."

He did not hold back criticism of the ruling party's response either. Lee said, "What do the members of the People Power Party, especially Kim Gi-hyeon, the party leader who is leading the People Power Party, think when they see this?" He pointed out, "They cannot raise any issues in front of Yoon's influence, who has completely taken control of the party. The role of the party leader is meaningless."

He continued, "If politics is to serve the people, this pardon must accept special criticism," and said, "President Yoon Seok-youl will eventually have to take political responsibility."

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