Pardoned Kim Kyoung-soo, “Forced to Accept a Present I Did Not Want”

Kim Kyoung-soo, former governor of Gyeongsangnam-do, expresses his thoughts after being released on a special pardon at midnight December 28. Courtesy of the Democratic Party of Korea

Kim Kyoung-soo, former governor of Gyeongsangnam-do, left the Changwon Prison a little after midnight December 28 following a special pardon granted by the Yoon Suk-yeol government.

Kim entered the Changwon Prison on July 26, 2021 after the Supreme Court sentenced him to two years in prison.

He was detained for 77 days during his first trial and released from prison 520 days after he was imprisoned in Changwon following the Supreme Court ruling.

Kim was only pardoned of his remaining sentence, so he is not eligible to run in an election until December 28, 2027.

The first thing Kim did after his release was to visit the grave of former President Roh Moo-hyun in Bongha Village in Jinyeong-eup, Gimhae at 10 a.m. December 28.

Kim’s face was flushed as he stood before the press.

The following is a statement addressed to the people on Kim’s thoughts after his release.

“I wanted to come out in the warm spring, but I ended up coming out involuntarily in the cold winter. I apologize for those of you who had to come out in the cold. Personally, I think it is regrettable.

The latest pardon for me is like being forced to accept a present that I did not want to receive. Since it was not something I wanted, I cannot say thank you. And even if I want to return it, there is no way to return it. Eventually, the party giving the gift, the one receiving it, and those watching all find ourselves in an awkward situation.

They said it was for national integration, but I believe the people know much better that integration is not achieved in such a unilateral or coercive way.

When it comes to national integration, I can only say to the people that I am very sorry. An important role of politics is to coordinate and alleviate conflict and confrontation in our society, and I think it is one of the most important roles of politics to reach a social agreement through dialogue and compromise.

From that perspective, I look back on my journey to this point and wonder if the conflict and confrontation of our society have intensified because of me during the last few years regardless of what the truth is in my case. I want to sincerely apologize to the people for failing to fulfill my true role as a politician.

My time here at Changwon Prison, cut off from the world, has allowed me to think and look back on a lot of things. I will more humbly reflect and work so that my time of reflection can help create a more embracing society through social agreement. Once again, all of you who have come out here despite the cold, regardless of your support for me, I would like to once again say I am truly grateful. Thank you.”