Clean Appearance, Eloquence, and Fashion Sense Draw Public Attention
Manipulating Prosecutor Appointments and Public Official Vetting
Concerns Over the Emergence of a "King" Minister Prosecutorial Republic
Han Dong-hoon, Minister of Justice, arriving at the Seoul High Prosecutors' Office building in Seocho-gu, Seoul, where his candidate office was set up on the 15th during his candidacy period. [Image source=Yonhap News]
[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Seok-jin, Legal Affairs Specialist] ‘1.3 million views’ and ‘3.3 million views.’
These are the view counts of the inauguration video of Han Dong-hoon, Minister of Justice, who took office on the 17th, and the National Assembly Budget Committee Q&A video.
Han Minister’s inauguration video surpassed the cumulative five-year views of former President Moon Jae-in’s inauguration video and the ten-day views of President Yoon Seok-youl’s inauguration video within just two days.
After being demoted to the Judicial Research and Training Institute, his shocking nomination as ministerial candidate has made every move of his a hot topic. From his bare scarf, necktie, or the bag in his hand, to his speaking style and specific remarks. It is truly worthy of being called the ‘Han Dong-hoon Syndrome.’
Professor Jang Sung-chul of Daegu Catholic University appeared on a media YouTube channel and compared Minister Han to President Yoon’s crown prince, analyzing, “He has various conditions to aim for the next term, so the cheers and interest regarding the crown prince are evident.”
In political and legal circles, it is analyzed that Minister Han’s neat appearance, logical eloquence, excellent fashion sense, and image of fighting against power collectively attracted public attention comparable to that of a celebrity.
Minister Han is receiving public interest comparable to or even greater than former Ministers Kang Geum-sil and Cho Kuk, who were appointed as the first Ministers of Justice by Presidents Roh Moo-hyun and Moon Jae-in, respectively.
Although they all started as the inaugural heads of the Ministry of Justice, their paths taken and the paths they intend to take are sharply different. Former Ministers Kang and Cho were a judge and a professor, respectively, and led prosecutorial reform at the forefront, whereas Minister Han is a former prosecutor who views the previous administration’s prosecutorial reform as abnormal and is determined to restore it to normal.
He enjoys full support from President Yoon, who has a brotherly relationship with him, the ruling party, and the conservative base. Within less than a month of his inauguration, he has gained authority over prosecution command, personnel rights, and even public official personnel verification. This is why Minister Han is called the King Minister or the Small President, and why voices expressing concerns about the ‘arrival of the Prosecutor Republic’ and ‘repetition of illegal surveillance’ are growing louder.
A new phase is approaching for Han Dong-hoon, who must meet the expectations directed at him and dispel the concerns.
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