[2022 National Audit] Han Dong-hoon "Delay in Handling Livelihood Cases Due to Complete Prosecution Reform"

Minister of Justice Han Dong-hoon attended the National Assembly inspection of the Ministry of Justice held on the 6th, submitted the oath statement to Kim Do-eup, Chairman of the Legislation and Judiciary Committee, and then turned away. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyung-min] On the 6th, Han Dong-hoon, Minister of Justice, appeared at the National Assembly audit and stated that the recent delays in the prosecution's handling of civil livelihood cases are due to "Geomsu Wanbak (complete removal of prosecution's investigative authority)."

At the Ministry of Justice audit held by the Legislation and Judiciary Committee at the National Assembly that day, Minister Han responded to Rep. Kim Seung-won of the Democratic Party of Korea's criticism that the prosecution's handling of general criminal cases and complaint cases is delayed.

When Rep. Kim asked, "Isn't it because most of the criminal and trial division's investigative personnel are mobilized for political investigations?" Minister Han rebutted, "The previous administration also conducted (political investigations), but now the number is far too small," adding, "We are not even operating separate investigation teams or special investigation teams."

Additionally, Minister Han explained regarding the fitness room installed in the government building during former Minister of Justice Choo Mi-ae's tenure, "There is already a space used by both men and women, so I thought it was an unnecessary waste and decided to convert it into a staff lounge."

The fitness room was established in November 2020 under the direction of former Minister Choo. Covering an area of 54㎡, it was equipped with two treadmills and yoga mats, raising concerns that it might be an exclusive space for the minister. In response, former Minister Choo stated on her social media service (SNS), "(The space) is a rest facility for female employees," and added, "Due to COVID-19 at the time, the exercise facility could not be operated, so it was never opened and I retired without ever using it even once."