Seoul: The Lee Jae Myung administration has initiated the review process for its first round of presidential pardons, coinciding with the upcoming Liberation Day on August 15. The Ministry of Justice held a pardon review committee meeting on August 7 to deliberate on a list of individuals recommended for clemency and reinstatement, which will ultimately be presented to President Lee. Among those reportedly under consideration is former Rebuilding Korea Party Chair Cho Kuk, although the complete list has yet to be disclosed.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the final decisions regarding the pardons are expected to be confirmed by President Lee following a Cabinet meeting scheduled for August 12. As this is the administration's inaugural pardon since assuming office in June, it holds significant symbolic importance and could potentially incite political controversy.
Under the Korean Constitution, the president is vested with the authority to grant pardons. Unlike general amnesties, which necessitate approval from the National Assembly, special pardons are at the sole discretion of the president. Nonetheless, this power to overturn judicial verdicts should be exercised judiciously and aligned with standards that resonate with broad public consensus.
The consideration of special clemency for political figures, particularly those convicted of corruption, requires careful deliberation, especially during a period when many ordinary citizens and small business owners face economic challenges.
The political focus remains intensely on Cho Kuk, who was sentenced by the Supreme Court in December 2024 to two years in prison for admissions-related corruption involving his children. Throughout the legal proceedings, Cho exhibited little remorse, significantly undermining public trust in Korea's competitive university admissions system.
Advocacy for Cho's pardon has intensified, even garnering support from former President Moon Jae-in. However, such lobbying is deemed inappropriate, given Moon's role as a former head of state expected to foster national unity beyond partisan interests.
It is widely believed that Cho's party abstained from fielding a candidate in the June presidential election as a gesture of support for Lee. If Cho is included in the Liberation Day amnesty, the decision could easily be interpreted as political reciprocity.
The opposition has also faced scrutiny. On August 4, cameras captured People Power Party interim leader and floor leader Song Eon-seok transmitting a message to Presidential Chief of Staff Kang Hoon-sik, reportedly seeking pardons for certain politicians. Although the party publicly opposed such pardons, it privately advocated for them.
Other individuals reportedly under consideration include former Democratic Party Chair Song Young-gil and former Seoul Education Superintendent Cho Hee-yeon. Many lobbying for clemency persist in claiming political persecution, showing little introspection regarding their wrongdoing. While including such figures in the pardon may satisfy partisan supporters, it is unlikely to garner public sympathy.