[WORD_ON_THE_WEB] 'It’s only fair to receive punishment for one’s crimes'

Talk of a special pardon for Lee Myung-bak is gathering steam again.

Lee, the former president, was sentenced to 17 years in prison for allegations regarding a slush fund.

During his imprisonment, Lee was hospitalized multiple times due to underlying health conditions, including diabetes.

Lee requested a suspension of his prison term for health reasons on June 3.

The prosecution’s Anyang branch, which oversees his imprisonment, will review the request through a committee meeting.

President Yoon Suk-yeol was hesitant to comment on the issue, saying that “it’s not a matter to be discussed right now,” on June 8.

However, there was a notable change in his tone when he spoke the next day. “It’s not right to lock him up for twenty-something years. There are previous examples that support the sentiment.”

#not_fair_at_all
“This ‘fairness’ that you guys talk so highly of. Shouldn’t that be for everyone? In the case of a former president, we need even stricter rules.”
“It’s only fair to receive punishment for one’s crimes. What previous examples is Yoon talking about? Those are faults in the past.”
“In what ways does this unite the people? Most people don’t approve of his release. Lee’s crimes are personal ones.”

#right_call_to_make
“Lee seems so old and frail. Please release the former president from jail.”
“Who in the world doesn’t have skeletons in their closet? If we weigh Lee’s contributions against his sins, he did more good than bad for the nation. It’s only fair we let him out.”

BY LEE SI-YEOUNG, YOO JI-WOO [yoo.jiwoo@joongang.co.kr]