'Supporting Common Sense and Justice' 'Walk Only on Flower Paths' Flower Baskets Fill the Ministry of Justice Entrance Stairs
'Hunminjeongeum Necktie' Featuring Yongbieocheonga Verse Gains Attention... Purchases Vary by Unexpected Price
Minister of Justice Han Dong-hoon is saluting the national flag at the inauguration ceremony held at the Government Complex Gwacheon on the 17th. [Image source=Yonhap News]
[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Jung-wan] On the 17th, following the appointment of Han Dong-hoon as Minister of Justice by President Yoon Suk-yeol, the minister's inauguration ceremony surpassed 1 million views, leading to evaluations calling it the "Han Dong-hoon phenomenon." Meanwhile, the steps at the entrance of the Ministry of Justice building were filled with flower baskets, and the necktie worn by Minister Han became a hot topic, drawing the attention of supporters.
On the 18th, Yoon Tae-gon, head of the political analysis office at The Moa, said in an interview with CBS Radio's "Kim Hyun-jung's News Show," "The YouTube views for Minister Han Dong-hoon's inauguration ceremony have reached 1 million," and evaluated, "The Han Dong-hoon phenomenon is happening." He added, "When have we ever watched a minister's inauguration ceremony as news? Ceremonies for prime ministers, ministers, or chief justices are actually events that the public is not interested in. (But) this one reached 1 million views."
Minister Han was demoted to a non-investigative position during the previous minister's tenure but was appointed as the first Minister of Justice under the Yoon administration. He is considered one of President Yoon's closest aides. Minister Han is regarded as a 'special investigation expert' within the prosecution, associated with the Supreme Prosecutors' Office and the Central District Prosecutors' Office, which has led many to note his resemblance to President Yoon.
On the 17th, the day President Yoon appointed Minister Han, the steps in front of the Ministry of Justice building in Gwacheon were filled with flower baskets supporting him. From around 5 p.m., when the news of Minister Han's appointment was announced, flower baskets and potted plants sent by his supporters began arriving at the entrance steps of the Ministry of Justice building. By the afternoon, one side of the steps was completely filled with about 80 flower baskets.
On the 17th, a flower basket supporting Han Dong-hoon, Minister of Justice, was placed in front of the Ministry of Justice at the Government Gwacheon Complex. [Image source=Yonhap News]
The ribbons attached to the flower baskets bore messages such as "Congratulations on Minister Han Dong-hoon's inauguration," "Thank you for your courage and dedication," "Walk only on flower paths," "I will support you forever," "There is not only one path, but may justice be one," "The people's PICK with no regrets," "Minister Han Dong-hoon, fighting! You're the only one I see," "Supporting common sense and justice," and "Please restore justice in the Republic of Korea."
"Justice and common sense" are values Minister Han has emphasized. At the confirmation hearing held on the 9th, he said, "If given the opportunity to serve as minister, I will heed the advice of the members and dedicate myself to establishing the rule of law based on justice and common sense." In a post on the prosecution's internal network 'Epross' on the 15th, he said, "I really liked this profession (as a prosecutor)," adding, "As a member of society and a professional, the standard for working to earn a living is a profession based on 'justice and common sense.'"
On that day, an internet cafe created by Minister Han's supporters posted messages sharing information such as "Where can I send flower baskets?" and "Planning to deliver congratulatory flower baskets for Minister Hooni's appointment."
The necktie Minister Han wore at the inauguration ceremony also sparked online attention. At the ceremony, he wore a white shirt and black suit, and his necktie featured a pattern of verses from Yongbieocheonga, the first work written in Hunminjeongeum during King Sejong's Joseon era. Characters such as '불·휘기·픈남·ㄱㆍㄴ' (meaning "deep-rooted tree") were visible.
The tie product (left) presumed to be worn by Minister of Justice Han Dong-hoon and the order confirmation photo posted on an online community on the 17th. Photo by Online Community Capture
Netizens also noted the relatively low price of the necktie. Similar products found by netizens searching for "Hangul necktie" or "Hunminjeongeum necktie" were being sold online for about 9,000 won. Surprised by the unexpectedly low price, netizens commented, "Han Dong-hoon looks cool even with a 9,000 won tie," and "No need for luxury brands." Some netizens even posted screenshots as 'proof shots' after purchasing the tie following Minister Han, while others speculated, "Since there is so much attention, it seems the tie was chosen with meaning."
In fact, neckties have often been used by politicians not just as fashion accessories but as channels to convey messages. Former President Moon Jae-in gifted a tie with dark blue and red, orange, blue, and yellow stripes symbolizing "unity" after a dinner with President Yoon Suk-yeol in March. President Yoon also wore a sky-blue tie symbolizing "the importance of cooperation" during his first National Assembly policy speech on the 16th.
Meanwhile, at the inauguration ceremony, Minister Han emphasized, "The prosecution's job is to protect the people from crime, and the only people who should fear a prosecution that does its job properly are criminals," adding, "As the head of legal administration, I will work with courage and dedication to protect the people's freedom and human rights and to firmly uphold justice and the rule of law."
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