Handonghun: "We Will Uphold the Rule of Law with Justice and Common Sense"... "We Will Create a Neutral and Fair Prosecution Service"

"'Geomsu Wanbak' Bill Makes It Difficult to Punish Corrupt Politicians and Public Officials"

Justice Minister nominee Han Dong-hoon is attending the confirmation hearing held at the National Assembly on the 9th and delivering an opening statement. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Seok-jin, Legal Affairs Specialist] Han Dong-hoon, nominee for Minister of Justice, expressed his aspiration, saying, "If given the opportunity to serve as Minister of Justice, I will work with courage and dedication to uphold the rule of law based on justice and common sense."

He also voiced deep concerns about the 'Prosecution Reform' bill, stating, "It makes it difficult to punish corrupt politicians and public officials, and the harm that the public will witness in the process is clear."

Han made these remarks during his opening statement at the confirmation hearing held by the National Assembly's Legislation and Judiciary Committee on the morning of the 9th.

He first said, "As a nominee for Minister of Justice today, I will answer the committee members' questions honestly and humbly accept any advice," adding, "I will also sincerely share my convictions about the direction the Ministry of Justice and prosecution should take."

He continued, "I passed the bar exam in 1995, completed military service, and was commissioned as a prosecutor in 2001, living my life as a public official ever since," and said, "During my tenure as a prosecutor, I have not wavered and have devoted myself personally to eradicating corruption and upholding justice and common sense strictly according to law and principles."

He added, "I have been fortunate to gain diverse experience in investigations, trials, the prosecution system, and legal administration, and had opportunities to build expertise in key tasks of the Ministry of Justice and prosecution."

Han stated, "If I become Minister of Justice, I will do my utmost to carry out legal administration that supports and comforts the people based on justice and common sense."

He said, "First, I will implement warm legal administration that prioritizes human rights protection," emphasizing, "True law should protect the powerless and marginalized warmly."

He continued, "I will eliminate blind spots in human rights for socially vulnerable groups, protecting victims of sexual violence, children, and persons with disabilities, and strengthen tailored legal support where the public needs it most."

He also added, "I will establish a comprehensive support system to ensure rapid healing for crime victims, helping them quickly recover from their suffering."

Han said, "Second, I will raise the standards of legislation and systems to meet global standards," explaining, "The driving force behind South Korea's development is fair competition, and only when the public's trust that fair rules will be upheld without privilege or cheating is maintained can we expect national prosperity."

He emphasized, "The Ministry of Justice must improve legislation proactively for the nation's future, ensuring strict law enforcement and enabling citizens to engage freely in economic activities in a fair competitive environment. Also, in various areas of legal administration such as crime prevention, human rights, immigration, and corrections, our people should fully enjoy high-quality systems befitting our national stature."

Han said, "Third, I will create a neutral and fair prosecution," pointing out, "True prosecution reform desired by the public is to build a system where competent prosecutors do not bow to those in power, punish corruption, and earn the public's trust."

He added, "I will restrain the minister's exercise of investigative command rights to enhance the prosecution's political neutrality and fairness, and establish a system of checks and balances through mutual cooperation and responsible investigations between prosecution and police."

He said, "Personnel appointments will be based solely on prosecutors' ability, competence, and commitment to fairness, ensuring appointments serve the public, not the prosecutors," and added, "We will strengthen national crime response capabilities such as eradicating corruption and create a fair and transparent society where illegal and unfair practices cannot take root."

Han stated, "Lastly, I will protect the people's safe and peaceful lives from crime," noting, "Our citizens still live with threats to their lives and safety from violent crimes, and with anxiety about when crime might strike them."

He continued, "Recently, economic crimes that hurt ordinary people, such as capital market manipulation and voice phishing, have rapidly spread," and said, "We will strictly punish crimes and thoroughly recover criminal proceeds." He also added, "We will continuously improve environments that cause crime and significantly strengthen electronic monitoring systems for serious offenders."

Han also shared his thoughts on the recently promulgated amendments to the Criminal Procedure Act and the Prosecutors' Office Act.

He said, "The so-called 'Prosecution Reform' bill recently passed the National Assembly and is about to be implemented, causing great public concern," and criticized, "This bill makes it difficult to punish corrupt politicians and public officials, and the harm to the public in the process is very clear."

Finally, he said, "Although I have many shortcomings, if given the opportunity to serve as Minister of Justice, I will work with courage and dedication," and concluded, "I will uphold the rule of law based on justice and common sense."

The hearing proceeded with questions and answers between Han and committee members from both ruling and opposition parties, followed by the examination of four witnesses, additional questions from the committee, and Han's closing remarks.

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