Kwon Seong-dong: "Appointment of Han Dong-hoon as Minister of Justice was a choice to avoid political controversy"

On the 13th, Kwon Seong-dong, floor leader of the People Power Party, and members of the Legislation and Judiciary Committee held an emergency press briefing at the National Assembly in Yeouido regarding the Democratic Party's ongoing push for 'Geomsu Wanbak' (Complete Removal of Prosecutorial Investigation Rights). Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy reporters Naju-seok and Kwon Hyun-ji] Kwon Seong-dong, floor leader of the People Power Party, on the 13th interpreted the appointment of Han Dong-hoon as Minister of Justice as "likely made to avoid political controversy."

After holding a meeting with members of the Legislation and Judiciary Committee at the National Assembly that day, Kwon made this remark to reporters regarding Han's appointment.

He said, "I don't know the exact reason why the president-elect appointed the Minister of Justice candidate, but I think it was to avoid political controversy. (The Democratic Party of Korea said that) the Minister of Justice should never be a politician, and the Minister of Justice is a position without a so-called sword. If Han, the chief prosecutor of Suwon, handles corruption cases, it could be framed as political oppression or retaliation, but I think he was appointed Minister of Justice to avoid that." Kwon added, "Since President-elect Yoon pledged to abolish the investigative command authority, the Minister of Justice will not exercise investigative command authority, so various controversies can be avoided."

He continued, "I guess the recommendation was made from the perspective of administrative advancement by applying Han's abilities and qualifications to legal administration."

However, he reiterated the need for thorough personnel verification. Kwon said, "The confirmation hearing is a process where the candidate is scrutinized by the National Assembly. During that process, the Democratic Party will be sharp, but our party also believes that we must properly verify public office candidates. The basic stance is that excessive protection of public office candidates just because they are from the ruling party is undesirable."