Handonghun "Concerns Over Complete Prosecution Reform Are Great... Public Harm Is Very Clear"

A Candidate Faces Allegations Related to 'Mother and Daughter'... Ruling and Opposition Parties Clash Over Document Submission
Democratic Party "Serious Issues Expected" vs People Power Party "Former Ministers All Refused to Submit"

Minister of Justice nominee Han Dong-hoon is attending the confirmation hearing held at the National Assembly on the 9th and taking the witness oath. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Heo Kyung-jun] Han Dong-hoon, the nominee for Minister of Justice, expressed concern on the 9th, stating, "The so-called ‘Geomsu Wanbak’ (complete removal of prosecution’s investigative authority) bill is about to be implemented after passing the National Assembly, causing great public concern." He added, "This bill makes it difficult to punish corrupt politicians and public officials, and the damage that the public will witness in the process is very clear."

During his opening remarks at the National Assembly Legislation and Judiciary Committee confirmation hearing that morning, Han said, "True prosecution reform that the public desires is to create a system where a competent prosecution does not bow to those in power, punishes corruption, and gains the trust of the people."

The amended Prosecutors' Office Act and Criminal Procedure Act, known as the ‘Geomsu Wanbak’ law, were officially promulgated with their publication in the official gazette that day. The enforcement date is set as "the day four months after promulgation" in the supplementary provisions, meaning the amended laws will take effect starting in September.

At the hearing, Han reiterated his opposition to the bill, stating, "I will restrain the exercise of the minister’s investigative command authority to enhance the political neutrality and fairness of the prosecution, and establish a system of checks and balances through mutual cooperation and responsible investigations between the prosecution and police." He also revealed his personnel policy, saying, "Personnel appointments will be based solely on prosecutors’ ability, competence, and commitment to fairness, ensuring appointments serve the public rather than the prosecutors themselves."

During the hearing, the Democratic Party launched an offensive, accusing Han of submitting insufficient documents related to allegations concerning his mother’s real estate, suspected illicit transfers, and his children’s academic credentials. Democratic Party lawmaker Kim Young-bae said, "It is no exaggeration to say that he is refusing to provide any documents related to himself," adding, "If (Han) truly intends to serve courageously, he should naturally submit the documents as a public office candidate. If he tries to avoid and hide during this time, thinking he can just get through this period because of the upcoming national audit, it will cause a major problem."

In particular, the Democratic Party focused on allegations that Han’s daughter plagiarized a thesis. The controversy arose because the document information of a thesis registered in February on SSRN (Social Science Research Network) listed the name of a Kenyan ghostwriter, while Han’s daughter is a high school sophomore.

Regarding this, Democratic Party lawmaker Kim Nam-guk said, "Just by looking at the number of theses, e-books, and publications, it is common sense that a high school student could not have written such papers covering medicine and economics," and added, "It is not just about editing and advising; the Kenyan writer actually wrote it. Han’s explanation that no external help was received is a false explanation, and I believe it is a knowingly false explanation."

On the other hand, the People Power Party countered, saying, "Under the Personnel Hearing Act, document submission requests cannot be made to the candidate but should be directed to the accompanying agency officials."

People Power Party lawmaker Kim Hyung-dong said, "During the confirmation hearing of former Minister of Justice Choo Mi-ae, all personal information was refused," and "Minister Park Beom-gye also refused to submit personal transaction records. Most of the documents that Democratic Party lawmakers are demanding are absurd and impossible to submit," he argued.

Since the Democratic Party has judged Han, a close aide of President-elect Yoon Seok-youl, as ‘unfit,’ Han’s confirmation hearing is expected to become a turning point for the new government’s launch.

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