Handonghun: "Reason for Lee Jaemyung's Warrant Dismissal Does Not Mean Innocence"

Minister Han: "Arrest Warrant Decision Is Just an Interim Step in Criminal Investigation"

Han Dong-hoon, Minister of Justice, stated regarding the dismissal of the arrest warrant for Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, that "(the reason for dismissal) does not mean there is no crime."

Minister of Justice Han Dong-hoon is responding to reporters' questions about the rejection of the arrest warrant for Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party, as he arrives at the Ministry of Justice in the Government Complex Gwacheon on the morning of the 27th. [Image source=Yonhap News]

On the morning of the 27th, while heading to work at the Government Complex Gwacheon, Minister Han told reporters, "The decision on the arrest warrant is only an intermediate step for criminal investigation, and the prosecution has conducted a fair investigation so far and will continue to do so."

Minister Han said, "Just because a politician commits a crime does not mean the judiciary becomes political, and it should not be that way," adding, "I believe the prosecution will investigate without wavering."

Regarding criticisms from the opposition about a 'reckless investigation,' he said, "As I mentioned during the explanation of the arrest consent bill, 21 people have been arrested in connection with the matter," and added, "I do not know how many citizens would agree with the claim of a reckless investigation."

Addressing concerns that the dismissal of the warrant might weaken the momentum of the investigation, he said, "Criminal investigations are about uncovering the truth and holding accountable those responsible," and added, "No momentum is needed. The system itself is the momentum."

Judge Yoo Chang-hoon, head judge in charge of warrants at the Seoul Central District Court, conducted a nine-hour warrant hearing early that day for Lee Jae-myung, who was charged with violations of the Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Crimes (bribery) and other charges. Afterward, he dismissed the arrest warrant, stating, "Considering the necessity of guaranteeing the suspect's (Lee Jae-myung's) right to defense and the degree of concern for evidence destruction, it is difficult to find grounds and necessity for detention to the extent that the principle of non-detention should be excluded."

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