Handonghun: "The Prosecution Reform Bill Is a Groundless Midnight Escape" (Comprehensive)

Minister of Justice nominee Han Dong-hoon is responding to reporters' questions as he enters the confirmation hearing office set up at the Seoul High Prosecutors' Office on the 15th. Photo by Kang Jin-hyung aymsdream@

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[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyung-min] Han Dong-hoon, the nominee for Minister of Justice, said on the 15th that "if the bill is passed, the only ones who will suffer are powerless citizens" regarding the 'Complete Removal of Prosecutorial Investigation Rights (Geomsu Wanbak)' bill that the Democratic Party of Korea is pushing for legislation.

Han stated this upon his first arrival at 10 a.m. at the Seoul High Prosecutors' Office, where the hearing preparation office is set up, adding, "The public will be very curious about what has happened over the past five years that has led to such an unjustified midnight escape."

Regarding the activation of a permanent special prosecutor, Han said, "The permanent special prosecutor system is already one of the duties assigned to the Minister of Justice," and added, "Talking about it now based on specific cases or directions could cause unnecessary misunderstandings. However, I promise to handle the work fairly."

Addressing concerns about personnel appointments favoring prosecutors from the so-called 'Yoon Seok-yeol faction' and special investigation units, Han said, "I will make equitable appointments based solely on the people's perspective, focusing on ability and the demonstrated commitment to fairness," and added, "I will strive to make appointments that anyone can accept."

Han expressed, "I feel a great sense of responsibility being nominated as Minister of Justice during a time when the public is suffering greatly," and said, "I will prepare well for the hearing to gain the trust and provide comfort to the people based on common sense and fairness."

The preparation team is expected to submit the hearing request for Han to the National Assembly as early as today. The hearing is likely to take place between the end of this month and early next month. Key issues during the hearing are expected to include the recent dismissal of charges in the 'Channel A case' and the 'Alleged Solicitation of Prosecution' case, in which Han has been registered as a suspect by the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials. There may also be criticism that Han did not cooperate with investigations such as unlocking his iPhone in relation to the Channel A case. Concerns about bias in prosecutorial personnel appointments and the activation of a permanent special prosecutor targeting the current administration are also expected to be addressed. Ethical scrutiny regarding property management, including the increase in rent for the Sampung Apartment and residence in Tower Palace in Dogok-dong, is unlikely to be avoided. Han's assets amount to 3.937 billion KRW, with real estate comprising the largest portion. Issues surrounding Han's family, including potential conflicts of interest due to his wife being affiliated with a major law firm, are also expected to be discussed.

Meanwhile, as the Democratic Party announced plans to introduce the 'Geomsu Wanbak' bill on the same day, Prosecutor General Kim Oh-soo visited the National Assembly again to meet with Speaker Park Byeong-seok and members of the Judiciary Committee to seek cooperation. Upon entering the National Assembly, Kim told reporters, "If the prosecution has done wrong, please proceed with impeachment procedures against me, the head of the prosecution, before advancing the legislative process," adding, "I take full responsibility as Prosecutor General and am willing to bear that responsibility." Rank-and-file prosecutors also plan to hold a nationwide meeting on the 19th to discuss response measures. This will be the first nationwide meeting of prosecutors from 18 district prosecutors' offices and 42 branch offices, totaling 60 prosecution offices, in 19 years.

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