Former South Gyeongsang Province Governor Kim Kyoung-soo, who was involved in the "Druking" opinion-rigging scandal, is among the high-profile politicians listed by the Ministry of Justice to be considered for special amnesty or rehabilitation by President Yoon Suk Yeol. This move would potentially restore Kim's eligibility to run for office in future elections, including the local elections in June 2026 and the presidential election in March 2027. Despite being released on parole following a previous amnesty by President Yoon, Kim is currently subject to restrictions for five years after his release. Another figure on the list is former Cheong Wa Dae senior secretary for political affairs Cho Yoon-sun, who was convicted for her involvement in the government's blacklisting of over 9,000 cultural figures during the Park administration. Although Cho has completed her jail term, she still faces restrictions due to the criminal punishment, without having received presidential amnesty. The decision on these potential pardons was reportedly made at a closed-door meeting of the Amnesty Commission under the Justice Ministry, and President Yoon is expected to approve the list at a Cabinet meeting next week, just ahead of the Liberation Day holiday on Aug. 15. President Yoon has previously exercised his power to grant amnesty to over 6,000 individuals since taking office in May 2022, and the upcoming decision is in line with the tradition of South Korean presidents pardoning individuals twice a year, during the Seollal holiday in winter and on Liberation Day, as a gesture of national unity.