[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyung-min] Trust and expectations within the prosecution for Han Dong-hoon, the nominee for Minister of Justice (age 49, Judicial Research and Training Institute class 27), are gradually increasing. This is because Han is seen as the only reliable support and mental pillar among prosecutors who feel a great sense of loss and desperation in the face of the imminent threat of losing their investigative authority.
According to multiple prosecution officials on the 26th, this atmosphere has become more pronounced recently as the prosecution leadership collectively submitted their resignations. Prosecutor General Kim Oh-soo, who must embrace and protect the organization, expressed his intention to resign twice on the 17th and 22nd. Deputy Prosecutor General Park Sung-jin and six high prosecutors (Seoul High Prosecutor, Suwon High Prosecutor, Daejeon High Prosecutor, Daegu High Prosecutor, Busan High Prosecutor, Gwangju High Prosecutor) also submitted their resignations. On the prosecution’s internal network 'Eprose,' there has been a flood of requests urging these leaders to "protect the prosecution until the issue of the 'Complete Removal of Prosecution’s Investigative Authority' (Geomsu Wanbak) bill is resolved." Amid this, prosecutors are hoping Han will play the role of a savior who will protect the organization. A legal circle official said, "In terms of mental support alone, Han is now almost equivalent to the Prosecutor General within the prosecution."
A phone call with Lee Jun-seok, leader of the People Power Party, also seems to have played a part. This contrasts with Prosecutor General Kim, who directly visited the National Assembly to plead with lawmakers about the unfairness of Geomsu Wanbak. On the morning of the 24th, Han received a call from Lee, who asked for his opinion on the mediation plan proposed by National Assembly Speaker Park Byeong-seok and agreed upon by the Democratic Party and the People Power Party regarding Geomsu Wanbak. Han explained the problems and anticipated side effects of the mediation plan.
A member of the hearing preparation team told Asia Economy in a phone interview, "I think Han received the call because he has extensive practical experience in prosecution." Lee also explained that since Han is the person directly affected as the head of the Ministry of Justice and prosecution if the Geomsu Wanbak bill passes, it was necessary to ask for his opinion. He said, "Han has a very clear stance on this issue and, as an investigative expert, clearly explained the potential harm to the public if Geomsu Wanbak is implemented."
With the National Assembly’s Legislation and Judiciary Committee tentatively agreeing to hold Han’s confirmation hearing on the 4th of next month, the attention of prosecution officials is expected to turn to this hearing. The hearing will be a place to verify various allegations against Han, as well as a forum for public discussion on Geomsu Wanbak. Meanwhile, there is a possibility that Prosecutor General Kim’s resignation will be accepted by the Blue House on the same day. On the afternoon of the previous day, Minister of Justice Park Beom-gye said, "Kim’s resignation will be submitted to the Blue House." If Kim officially steps down, expectations within the prosecution for Han could increase further.
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