Police Investigate Han Dong-hoon's 'Thesis Ghostwriting'... "Proceeding According to Law and Principles"

[Asia Economy Reporter Seongpil Jo] The police announced that they will "conduct an investigation according to law and procedure" regarding the complaint about the "allegation of ghostwriting the eldest daughter’s thesis" involving Han Dong-hoon, the nominee for Minister of Justice.

On the 16th, Nam Gu-jun, head of the National Investigation Headquarters of the National Police Agency, responded this way when asked about the investigation stance on the case during a press conference. He dismissed concerns from some quarters that the police are vulnerable to investigations targeting those in power and expressed the position that the investigation will be conducted with the same standards as other complaint cases.

Earlier, on the 8th, the National Investigation Headquarters assigned the case, which was reported by civic groups including the Minsheng Economy Research Institute, to the Anti-Corruption and Public Crime Investigation Unit of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency that morning. The civic groups reportedly raised issues such as the "allegation of ghostwriting the eldest daughter’s thesis" and the "allegation of plagiarism in the eldest daughter’s international academic conference paper" that were brought up during Han’s confirmation hearing. After reviewing the complaint, the Anti-Corruption and Public Crime Investigation Unit plans to summon the complainants to confirm the purpose of the complaint and the basic facts.

Meanwhile, regarding the investigation into lawmaker Park Wan-joo, who is accused of "sexual misconduct," Nam said, "There are sensitive aspects such as protecting the victim and preventing secondary harm," and added, "We will proceed with the investigation respecting the victim’s wishes and following procedures." Earlier, civic groups including Halbindan filed a complaint with the police on the 13th against Park on charges of violating the Special Act on the Punishment of Sexual Crimes. The Democratic Party held a party meeting that morning and expelled Park from the party.

Regarding the Woori Bank embezzlement case, Nam said, "We are currently promoting pre-indictment seizure and confiscation for victim compensation." Concerning the recent rejection of the arrest warrant for Jang Ha-won, CEO of Discovery Asset Management, by the prosecution, he said, "The prosecution’s supplementary investigation details are part of the investigation and difficult to disclose specifically," but added, "We will review whether to apply for an arrest warrant after the supplementary investigation."