Handonghun "Minor daughter targeted with coordinates, facing unbearable attacks... Jomin was 30 years old"

"We Have Never Seized Jomin's Diary"

Justice Minister nominee Han Dong-hoon is attending the confirmation hearing held at the National Assembly on the 9th, responding to questions from lawmakers. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Daehyun] Han Dong-hoon, the nominee for Minister of Justice, stated regarding the allegations of his daughter Han's 'spec building' that "the investigation is excessive." He mentioned that Han, being a minor, is facing overwhelming attacks online and argued that comparing this situation to when Cho Min, the daughter of former Minister of Justice Cho Kuk, was investigated as an adult is unreasonable.

On the 9th, during the National Assembly confirmation hearing, Han responded this way to related questions from Kim Yong-min, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea.

Commissioner Kim began by addressing Han's 'laptop donation controversy.' He said, "the most controversial issue is the donation of 50 laptops to a welfare center," adding, "Han's club name is clearly visible in the photos. It inevitably appears to have played a role in highlighting her club activities," claiming that Han's donation was abnormal. He also suggested, "It could constitute third-party bribery or breach of trust," and said, "An investigation seems necessary."

Commissioner Kim also questioned the circumstances under which Han won the gold prize at a corporate-sponsored thesis competition. He pointed out, "The awarded thesis is suspected of being ghostwritten. I believe a crime might have been committed," suggesting that obstruction of business charges could apply.

In response, Han countered Kim's allegations regarding the thesis competition, saying, "It was neither used for college admissions nor planned to be used, so calling for an investigation seems a bit excessive." He added, "I honestly do not know the (daughter's) educational process well," but explained, "From what I heard, it was not a thesis but a report."

Regarding the laptop donation, he explained, "My daughter attends an international school and has many 'native' (native speakers) around her, so she thought it might be good to connect via Zoom (video conferencing service) to do something beneficial, and in fact, many people have been helped." He also said, "There was a shortage of laptops at child facilities, and the laptops were donated by a company that was going to discard them," adding, "I think this is something to be encouraged."

Meanwhile, Commissioner Kim asked whether an investigation related to Han should proceed, similar to when former Minister Cho's children were suspected of college admission fraud. He said, "In light of the fairness and common sense that the nominee has emphasized so much, (Han) should also be subject to investigation," adding, "You led the investigation as head of the Anti-Corruption Division at the Supreme Prosecutors' Office during the investigation of former Minister Cho, and these events happened afterward."

Han responded, "My daughter is currently a minor," and said, "After being targeted, she has been subjected to severe verbal abuse and attacks that are difficult for a minor to endure via emails and websites, and she is in a state of shock."

Commissioner Kim then referred to the situation when Cho Min was investigated, asking, "So did you even search the diary of a minor?" On the other hand, Han replied, "You keep mentioning (Cho Min's situation), but I asked the 'Cho Kuk investigation team,' and at that time, Cho Min was 30 years old, and her diary was never searched. I think you are mistaken."