“National integration is not a one-way street… Reflection and efforts with a low attitude for a warm society”
Former Gyeongsangnam-do governor Kim Gyeong-soo, who was convicted in the case of ‘draking comment manipulation’ during the last presidential election, came out of Changwon prison a little following 0:00 on the 28th with a special pardon from the Yoon Seok-yeol government.
Former Governor Kim was imprisoned in Changwon Prison on July 26 last year, when the Supreme Court confirmed a two-year prison sentence.
Excluding the 77 days of court detention in the first trial, he was released from prison following being sentenced to 520 days in prison in Changwon following the final judgment.
Wearing a dark blue suit, former governor Kim stood in front of reporters with a slightly flushed expression.
He said, “I wanted to come out in the warm spring, but I came out in the cold winter unintentionally.”
He continued, “This pardon is like being forced to receive a gift you don’t want to receive.”
In conclusion, the sender, the receiver, and the observer are all in a difficult and pitiful situation.”
He argued, “It is said that it is for the sake of national unity, but the people will know much better that integration does not take place through such a one-way street and strong pledges.”
Governor Kim said, “The important role of politics is to mediate and alleviate conflicts and create social consensus through dialogue and compromise. I looked back to see if this had gone deeper.”
He bowed his head, saying, “I am sincerely sorry to the people for not fulfilling my role as a politician.”
Lastly, Governor Kim concluded his release from prison by saying, “I will reflect and make efforts with a lower attitude so that the time of reflection I had can become a step toward building a warmer society through dialogue, compromise, and social consensus.”
Former Governor Kim said, “Let’s answer questions calmly at the next opportunity,” and left Changwon Prison in a car immediately.
The government pardoned Kim Gyeong-soo, former governor of South Gyeongsang Province, without reinstatement, whose sentence is regarding to expire in May next year.
Former Governor Kim, who was exempted from the remaining sentence, cannot run for election until December 28, 2027, as he does not have the right to vote.
On the first schedule following being released from prison, former governor Kim will visit the grave site of the late former President Roh Moo-hyun in Bongha Village, Jinyeong-eup, Gimhae-si at 10:00 am on the 28th.
He served as the secretary for speech planning following working as an administrative officer for the government situation room and the first annex office at the Blue House in the participatory government.
He went down to Bongha Village with former President Roh and assisted former President Roh, and was called the ‘last secretary’.
/yunhap news
