[Summary] Physical Altercation During Search and Seizure, Han Dong-hoon Files Complaint Against Investigation Team Leader for 'Abuse of Authority'

Physical Clash Between Prosecutors During Cell Phone Search
Han Dong-hoon "Deputy Chief Prosecutor Jeong Jin-woong Suddenly Jumped On and Assaulted" Files 'Abuse of Authority' Complaint
Investigation Team "It Was to Prevent Physical Obstruction"

In January, Han Dong-hoon, then head of the Anti-Corruption and Strong Crime Division at the Supreme Prosecutors' Office, is entering the Ministry of Justice building at the Government Complex Gwacheon to report a job transfer to Minister of Justice Choo Mi-ae. Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Seung-gon, Intern Reporter Kang Joo-hee] Han Dong-hoon, Chief Prosecutor (Research Fellow at the Judicial Research and Training Institute) who is under investigation by the prosecution regarding the 'alleged collusion between prosecutors and reporters,' claimed on the 29th that he was assaulted by Prosecutor Jeong Jin-ung, head of the Criminal Division 1 of the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office investigation team. Meanwhile, the investigation team denied this, stating that Han obstructed the search and seizure and was restrained.

Han's side announced that they filed a complaint against Prosecutor Jeong with the Seoul High Prosecutors' Office on charges of 'abuse of authority causing bodily harm' related to the assault incident and requested an internal investigation.

According to the combined statements from Han and the investigation team, the Criminal Division 1 of the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office arrived at the Yongin branch of the Judicial Research and Training Institute around 10:30 a.m. that day to seize Han's mobile phone.

Han told Prosecutor Jeong, who was directing the scene, that he would call his lawyer. After receiving permission, Han tried to unlock his smartphone to call his lawyer, but a physical struggle ensued during this process.

Han's side stated in a press release, "Suddenly, Deputy Chief Jeong Jin-ung, who was sitting across the sofa, lunged over the table, grabbed Han's arm and shoulder, climbed on top of Han, and pushed him down under the sofa." They added, "During this, Deputy Chief Jeong climbed on top of Han, grabbed his arms and shoulders, and pressed his face down."

Han said that this situation was witnessed by Deputy Chief Jeong, fellow prosecutors, investigation team members, and staff of the Judicial Research and Training Institute.

Later, Han formally demanded that Deputy Chief Jeong withdraw from the search and seizure and future investigation procedures, but was ignored. Around 1:30 p.m., when Han's lawyer arrived and protested, Deputy Chief Jeong changed his stance and left, Han added.

The investigation team claims that Han obstructed the search and seizure and that the incident was a restraint, not an assault. In a press release that day, the investigation team stated, "Due to the physical obstruction by the subject of the seizure, the responsible deputy chief prosecutor fell and is currently receiving medical treatment."

They added that they had planned to summon Han for questioning that morning and secure the USIM (IC card containing personal identification information) by voluntary submission, but Han did not comply with the summons, so the seizure was carried out on-site.

The prosecution is known to have attempted an additional seizure of the USIM, which was not secured during the previous seizure of Han's mobile phone on the 16th of last month.

Han's side filed a complaint against Deputy Chief Prosecutor Jeong Jin-ung of the Criminal Division 1 of the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office with the Seoul High Prosecutors' Office on charges of 'abuse of authority causing bodily harm' related to the assault incident during the search and seizure process and requested an internal investigation.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.