Prime Minister Modifies Position on Pardons for Former Presidents

Prime Minister Lee Nak-yon is backing down from his idea to pardon former Presidents Park and Lee because of the Korean left is unhappy with the idea:

However, Rep. Lee’s comments, which weren’t consulted on with party colleagues beforehand, have prompted ricocheting reactions throughout politics, stoking fierce objection from the DP’s base supporters, as well as suspicious reactions from opposition parties, raising questions of motive and rationale in light of the DP chief’s falling approval ratings. 

Amid the political fallout from the pardon suggestion spiraling out of hand, the DP leadership came up with what many see as a dubious cop out position on the matter — stating that Lee’s remarks came from his “heart” free from political rationale and that the showing of sincere remorse by the ex-presidents is a prerequisite in potential pardons.

Yonhap

You can read more at the link, but I doubt either ex-President is about to admit guilt to get a pardon. According to the article the ruling party is apparently throwing out this pardon suggestion as a trial balloon to judge public sentiment. If it is something popular with the public then President Moon Jae-in may move forward with the idea.