[2023 National Audit] Hana Foundation Caught Stealing Data from Opposition Lawmakers

Caught snooping through opposition lawmakers' materials during lunch break
Lee Won-wook: "It's appalling... not an issue to overlook"
Hana Foundation Chairman: "We will investigate the circumstances and take action"

During the National Assembly Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee's audit, an employee belonging to an audited institution was caught stealing inquiry materials placed by opposition party lawmakers in the audit hall.

According to the Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee on the 11th, employee A from the NamBuk Hana Foundation (North Korean Defectors Support Foundation) looked through inquiry materials placed on the seat of Lee Won-wook, a lawmaker from the Democratic Party of Korea, without permission during the lunch break when the audit targeting the Ministry of Unification was temporarily paused and lawmakers had left their seats.

A staff member of the South-North Hana Foundation reviewing National Assembly member inquiry materials [Image source=National Assembly Broadcasting YouTube]

This scene was recorded as is by the broadcast relay system inside the audit hall, and upon realizing this fact, Lawmaker Lee raised the issue when the audit resumed that afternoon. In a parliamentary proceeding statement, he said, "I have been a member of the National Assembly for 12 years, but this is the first time I have seen an audited institution steal a lawmaker's materials during the audit period," adding, "I am shocked that such a thing is happening in the National Assembly."

Lawmaker Lee said, "I believe this issue cannot be overlooked or ignored," and asked, "Please clearly state how this issue will be addressed." Chairman Kim Tae-ho criticized, calling it "a very inappropriate act." He then requested the foundation to "verify the facts and take appropriate measures accordingly," and "report the results."

Cho Min-ho, chairman of the NamBuk Hana Foundation, responded, "I feel sorry about this," and said, "We will verify the facts and take measures."

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