Prime Minister Han says he'll ask President Yoon to pardon businesspeople

Prime Minister Han Duck-soo answers questions during a parliamentary interpellation session held at the National Assembly in Yeouido, western Seoul, Wednesday. [KIM SANG-SUN]

Prime Minister Han Duck-soo announced Wednesday that he will propose pardons for businesspeople to President Yoon Suk-yeol.

In response to a question from Rep. Park Sung-joong of the People Power Party during a parliamentary interpellation session about intentions to suggest pardons for businesspeople such as Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong and Lotte Group Chairman Shin Dong-bin, Han responded by saying that he intends to make such suggestions.

Lee is currently on parole for bribery and embezzlement, while Shin is serving a four-year suspended sentence after receiving a two-and-a-half-year prison term for bribery.

The presidential office is considering pardons ahead of the Aug. 15 National Liberation Day, a day when previous presidents have granted pardons in the past.

Prominent businesspeople have reiterated the calls for the pardons, including Korea Enterprises Federation Chairman Sohn Kyung-shik.

BY LIM JEONG-WON [lim.jeongwon@joongang.co.kr]