Handonghun Emphasizes 'Rule of Law Based on Justice and Common Sense' at Inauguration Ceremony, Announces "Re-launch of Joint Securities Crime Investigation Unit"

Handonghoon, the newly appointed Minister of Justice [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Daehyun] Han Dong-hoon, the newly appointed Minister of Justice, announced on the 17th that he plans to immediately reactivate the Joint Investigation Unit for Securities Crimes as his first official statement upon taking office, emphasizing "the rule of law based on justice and common sense."

Minister Han emphasized this during his inauguration ceremony held at 6:30 PM in the underground auditorium of Building 1 at the Ministry of Justice Government Gwacheon Complex.

He said, "Since the founding of the Republic of Korea, the Ministry of Justice has never changed its name," and added that, like its English name 'Ministry of Justice', it must always find the path to 'Justice' within the system. He further stated, "'The rule of law based on justice and common sense' is the direction the Ministry of Justice must pursue.

Minister Han presented "warm legal administration that protects the human rights of the people" as the Ministry of Justice's top priority. He said, "It is the highest constitutional value to guarantee justice and dignity to all humans, including socially vulnerable groups and minorities," and emphasized, "There is no room for compromise or disagreement on the goal of respecting human rights."

He went on to explain that legal support will be strengthened to protect socially vulnerable groups, and a comprehensive support system for the healing of crime victims will be developed together.

'Advanced rule of law administration' was also emphasized. Minister Han said, "The Republic of Korea must prepare for the post-COVID era and the Fourth Industrial Revolution amid complex international situations and economic conditions," adding, "In a world of global competition, we must support Korea's future prosperity through rule of law administration that meets global standards."

He stated, "We are people who receive salaries from the people's hard-earned taxes," and pledged to return several times over with high-quality services in areas such as crime prevention, foreigner policies, corrections, human rights, legal affairs, and prosecution.

Minister Han then called for a "neutral and fair prosecution." He explained, "True prosecution reform and genuine criminal justice system reform desired by the people means creating a fair system that can strictly investigate even the socially powerful," and added, "The people of the Republic of Korea are great individuals who achieved democratization and industrialization in a short time, and they fully deserve such a fair system."

He urged, "Let us do our best to minimize gaps in responding to serious crimes and to establish a proper criminal justice system," and appealed, "Let us enhance the political neutrality and fairness of the prosecution and strive to establish a system of checks and balances between competent prosecutors and police."

Minister Han also emphasized "liberal democracy and market economy order." He said, "Liberal democracy and the market economy are the foundation of this country promised to the people by the Constitution," and added, "Free competition should be actively encouraged as the engine of social development, but at the same time, those who do not wish to participate in competition and those left behind in competition must be guaranteed a happy life." This implies that the Ministry of Justice should support such harmony within the judicial system.

Starting today, he also declared the reestablishment of the 'Joint Investigation Unit for Securities Crimes.' Minister Han said, "We must urgently review and respond swiftly to economic crimes that hurt ordinary people," and stated, "Offenders who cause harm to many ordinary citizens will be held accountable according to their crimes." He further predicted, "Once again, the market participants will regain trust that rules will be upheld."

Additionally, he said, "I will respect the opinions of colleagues who have gained intense experience in the field," and added, "I will protect public officials who perform their duties with conviction from unfair external pressures. This is also something my colleagues have done for me."