Handonghun: "Jeong Seongho, who told Lee Jae-myung's close aide to 'create an alibi,' is highly inappropriate"

Minister of Justice Han Dong-hoon is responding to questions from lawmakers at the plenary meeting of the Legislation and Judiciary Committee held at the National Assembly on the morning of the 15th.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyung-min] On the 15th, Minister of Justice Han Dong-hoon criticized the statement made by Rep. Jeong Seong-ho of the Democratic Party of Korea, who visited associates of Representative Lee Jae-myung, currently incarcerated, saying "make an alibi," calling it "a highly inappropriate remark."

Minister Han appeared at the plenary session of the National Assembly's Legislation and Judiciary Committee that day and responded to related questions from Rep. Park Hyung-soo of the People Power Party, saying, "No one should tell an accomplice under investigation to 'make an alibi,'" emphasizing this point.

Rep. Jeong met with Kim Yong, former deputy director of the Democratic Research Institute, and Jeong Jin-sang, former political coordination officer of the Democratic Party's representative office, in December last year and last month. During these meetings, he said, "You must prepare more thoroughly than your lawyers and create an alibi to be acquitted," and "Isn't the ruling party or administration going through a very difficult time? If this continues, won't Lee Jae-myung become the next president?" raising suspicions of gagging. Unlike regular visits, Rep. Jeong met them through a so-called special visitation method called 'location change visitation,' where conversations are not recorded, and correctional officers manually record the main points of the meeting.

Minister Han stated, "Special visitation targets are usually selected based on the strong, so from now on, priority will be given to the elderly and vulnerable." He also explained that the measure to record conversations during 'location change visitation' is already being implemented.

Regarding the request for an arrest warrant for Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, Minister Han said, "I have not yet received a related report from the prosecution," adding, "The prosecution will handle the case according to evidence and facts based on standard procedures."

Addressing public dissatisfaction over the acquittal verdict in the bribery case involving former Rep. Kwak Sang-do's son's severance pay of 5 billion won, he said, "I fully agree and believe it must be corrected," adding, "The current investigation team will take full responsibility and do everything possible." He further questioned, "Where is the free lunch in this world? If such a situation occurred and no punishment is given, who would agree?"

On the proposal to introduce a special prosecutor for the '5 Billion Club,' he emphasized, "A special prosecutor is appointed when there is no will or ability to investigate," and added, "The current investigation team will definitely produce meaningful results for the public, and there will be absolutely no favoritism."

Regarding the investigation into Kim Gun-hee, wife of President Yoon Suk-yeol, who is suspected of involvement in stock manipulation of Deutsche Motors, Minister Han said, "There was a written investigation during the previous administration," and "I have been informed that there were consultations for a summons." When Rep. Kim Ui-gyeom of the Democratic Party pointed out, "Isn't it that they cannot make a decision even after the written investigation?" Minister Han replied, "The investigation is ongoing," and "I believe the prosecution will consider the first trial results carefully and reach a conclusion."

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