'Not Pre-Election Campaigning?' Ruling Party Also Casts Doubt on Han Dong-hoon's Actions

Minister of Justice Han Dong-hoon is showing a 'broad-spectrum campaign' across the country, including Daegu, Daejeon, and Ulsan, drawing criticism that this is effectively a 'pre-election campaign.' While such suspicions are mainly raised by the opposition, even figures within the ruling party have harshly criticized, saying, "Anyone can see that this resembles a pre-election campaign."

The Democratic Party's reform faction (Kim Jong-min, Yoon Young-chan, Lee Won-wook, Jo Eung-cheon), known as 'Principles and Common Sense,' criticized Minister Han's actions in a social media (SNS) statement on the 24th, saying, "Political activities using the ministerial position dangerously border on violating the Public Official Election Act by using public office for pre-election campaigning."

Minister of Justice Han Dong-hoon is applauding at the 2023 National Assembly Seminar "Local Extinction Crisis, Practical Directions and Alternatives" held at the National Assembly Members' Office Building on the 22nd. Photo by Hyunmin Kim kimhyun81@

Minister Han visited Daegu on the 17th, Daejeon on the 21st, then the National Assembly on the 22nd, and is scheduled to visit Ulsan on the 25th. Although these visits are said to be for 'policy-related schedules,' considering the rumors of his candidacy in next year's general election, there are many voices criticizing this as an effective pre-election campaign.

Principles and Common Sense stated, "Several political newcomers who received the spotlight in other fields entered Yeouido only to be tried for violating the Public Official Election Act and were forgotten without properly engaging in legislative activities." They added, "We do not expect political neutrality from him as a current cabinet member and minister. However, we sincerely advise him to conduct election campaigns while abiding by the Public Official Election Act."

Former National Intelligence Service Director Park Ji-won made similar remarks. On MBC's 'News High Kick,' Park said, "(Minister Han) takes photos while extending train times in Daegu. I also take many photos and am an idol myself, but that is not something a minister or cabinet member should do." He claimed, "This is already a case of a public official interfering in elections and conducting pre-election campaigns, violating the Public Officials Act." He continued, "He goes to Daejeon and Ulsan. Why is he using the taxes I pay and the national budget to campaign for himself?" and added, "I think the Democratic Party should immediately convene the Judiciary Committee to summon and question him."

Former Democratic Party Supreme Council member Park Sung-min also said on Channel A's 'News A Live' the previous day, "Some criticize that he is maintaining the position of Minister of Justice with the people's taxes while conducting a pre-election campaign. He is showing a very skillful politician's image by attacking the Democratic Party and framing Democratic politicians politically rather than taking responsibility for his own matters. Therefore, there is criticism about whether it is appropriate to show such behavior while holding the position of Minister of Justice."

Voices doubting the 'pre-election campaign' also come from the ruling party. Former People Power Party lawmaker Lee Eon-ju said on CPBC Radio's 'Kim Hye-young's News Sympathy,' "Anyone can see that, although he is the Minister of Justice, he is making statements and taking actions resembling election campaigning." She added, "Then this should be seen as almost a presidential campaign, a move considering future power with the next election in mind."

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