Ex-presidential chief of staff, ex-defense minister included on pardon list

This combination of file photos shows Kim Kwan-jin, left, former defense minister, and Kim Ki-choon, former presidential chief of staff. The two officials, who served in key positions during the Park Geun-hye administration, have been included on the special pardon list on the occasion of the Lunar New Year, the Ministry of Justice said on Tuesday.

Former Defense Minister Kim Kwan-jin and former presidential chief of staff Kim Ki-choon ― both of whom served under former President Park Geun-hye before her impeachment ― have been included on a special pardon list, the Ministry of Justice said on Tuesday.

The two were among the 450,000 people expected to be granted pardons and regain rights, including the right to run for public office, by President Yoon Suk Yeol on the occasion of the Lunar New Year.

Kim Kwan-jin, 74, who served as defense minister and national security adviser under Park, was convicted in 2019 of meddling in politics by ordering the military cyber command to post online comments to sway public opinion in favor of conservative politicians.

He is currently serving as vice chairman of the presidential defense innovation committee.

Kim Ki-choon, 84, who served as chief of staff to Park between August 2013 and February 2015, was found guilty in 2017 of playing his role in creating a blacklist of artists critical of the administration.

Other high-profile figures include former ranking officials at the military’s security command — Kim Dae-yeol and Ji Young-kwan. They were convicted of collecting personal information about the families of the victims of the 2014 Sewol ferry accident when protests were being held intensely over the government’s handling of the disaster.

Other individuals who have been pardoned include SK Group Executive Vice Chairman Chey Jae-won and LIG Group Chairman Koo Bon-sang. Chey was convicted of embezzling corporate funds, while Koo was found guilty of accounting fraud. These pardons are anticipated to lift legal or other restrictions imposed on their activities as corporate executives.

Speaking at a Cabinet meeting, Yoon said the list was drawn up with a focus on boosting the economy as the move will alleviate penalties imposed on numerous individuals, including drivers, restaurant staff, and fishermen.

“The government will continue to take measures helpful to everyday economic activities,” Yoon said at the meeting held earlier that day. “I hope these pardons that are being granted ahead of the holiday will add vitality to the people’s economies.”

In Korea, the president often grants special pardons to convicted politicians, businesspeople and others at the start of a New Year or around Liberation Day, on Aug. 15, with the stated purpose of fostering unity.