Reported by The Korea Herald, (25/7/06):
 

“The ruling Uri Party may recommend presidential pardons for chiefs of major conglomerates convicted of corruption and illegal political donations. The President Roh Moo-hyun will carry out a special pardon and amnesty to observe Liberation Day which falls on August 15.
As a way to help revitalize the economy, the government and the ruling party are seriously considering whether to pardon the chiefs of large businesses,” said Rhee Mok-hee, a lawmaker in the Uri committee on public livelihood and economy. “
 

Other matters being highlighted are:
 

• The commitee is currently establishing a set of standards for the presidential pardon that includes “a beneficiary’s contribution to the economy,” Rhee told The Korea Herald;
• The committee plans to finalize the criteria for pardoning and to submit it to the Ministry of Justice this week;
• Under the proposed criteria, the pardons will be granted to those who did not pursue self-interests, paid full fines, received proper legal punishment, fully repented and finally can contribute to boosting the economy;
• The pardons may cover former SK Group chairman Son Kil-seung and Hanhwa Group chairman Kim Seung-youn, Among other charges, they were convicted of providing illicit political funds to the main opposition Grand National Party and President Roh Moo-hyun’s camp during the 2002 presidential race. Son is currently on probation. Kim was fined;
• Also under consideration are SK Group chairman Choi Tae-won and Daesang Group chairman Lim Chang-wook, convicted for embezzlement and other crimes.
• It might be too soon for the amnesty for Hyundai Automotive Group chairman Chung Mong-koo, Samsung Group chairman Lee Kun-hee and former Daewoo Group chairman Kim Woo-choong. Chung and Lee are undergoing trials in connection with illegal wealth transfer schemes.
   

Looks like the South Korean’s ruling party would like to follow “ forgive and forget policy” to revive the economy by using the pretext of general amnesty day to do it. Who else might they include in the list to forgive –‘ their cronies, associates, etc” ? Also with this amnesty to these rich chebol chiefs, the general public will be unconvinced that proper justice have been made.