Jin-tae Kim, "Did the Moon Jae-in Government Decide to 'Eat and Run'?"... Vetoes 'Lee Seok-ki's Parole'

[Captured from former People Power Party lawmaker Kim Jin-tae's Twitter]

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[Asia Economy Reporter Ra Young-cheol] Former Unified Progressive Party lawmaker Lee Seok-ki, who is imprisoned for inciting rebellion, is scheduled to be released on the morning of the 24th as a Christmas Day commemorative 'parole.'

On the 23rd, as news of Lee's parole spread, some civic groups that had been demanding his release were reportedly preparing welcome events to coincide with his release.

Kim Jae-yeon, the Progressive Party's presidential candidate, said on the day, "It is disappointing that it is parole, not a pardon and reinstatement," and added, "For the remaining five months, I will wait for President Moon Jae-in's decision."

On the other hand, although former Presidents Lee Myung-bak and Park Geun-hye have been mentioned as candidates for pardon discussions each time, many expect that it will be difficult for them to be included in the list this time as well.

In response, Kim Jin-tae, chairman of the People Power Party's 'Lee Jae-myung Corruption National Verification Special Committee' and Chuncheon Gap district party committee chairman, urged the government on his SNS, saying, "Release the former presidents who have been detained for the longest periods in history first."

Kim, the special committee chairman, said, "The news that Lee Seok-ki will be paroled on Christmas Eve makes us sad," and criticized Lee's parole, saying, "Parole is granted to inmates who show clear remorse, but did Lee Seok-ki truly pledge to live for the Republic of Korea, not North Korea?"

He continued, "It seems the Moon Jae-in administration, which had been hesitant until now, has decided to 'eat and run.' Could it be that they were pressured by the North?"

He then sharply stated, "Nevertheless, (Lee Seok-ki) reportedly refuses to wear an electronic ankle bracelet. Cancel the parole immediately."

Meanwhile, Lee was convicted by the Supreme Court on charges of inciting rebellion for leading the revolutionary organization RO, which sympathized with North Korea's theory of revolution against the South and conspired to destroy key facilities in the event of war.

Additionally, he was charged with embezzling funds from an election promotion company he operated while in prison. Lee was scheduled for full release in May 2023.

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