Handonghun Emphasizes "Best Effort in Minister Role" Amid Speculation of Next Ruling Party Leader Candidacy

Minister of Justice Han Dong-hoon [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyung-min] Han Dong-hoon, Minister of Justice, addressed the speculation in political circles about his potential 'recruitment as the next ruling party leader,' stating, "There are many important tasks to be done, so I clearly and firmly say that I will do my best in my role as minister."

Before attending the National Assembly's Legislation and Judiciary Committee on the 7th, Minister Han told reporters, "I still think I have a lot to improve, but I have done my best as a minister and will continue to think that way."

When asked whether there had been any proposals for him to become party leader in politics, Minister Han replied, "No one has ever said such a thing to me."

The recruitment speculation about Minister Han originated from the ruling party, the People Power Party. Floor leader Joo Ho-young mentioned the 'capital region and MZ generation (born between the 1980s and 2000s) representative theory,' and reports emerged that President Yoon Seok-yeol recently met with Minister Han at the presidential residence, drawing attention to the possibility of his recruitment.

Regarding the 1 billion won damage claim he filed against Kim Eui-gyeom, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, and others over the 'Cheongdam-dong drinking party allegations,' Minister Han said, "It is in the public interest to set a clear precedent that such actions must never happen again."

He added, "I do not think parliamentary immunity allows the spreading of low-quality or fake news in collaboration with YouTubers to blind the eyes and ears of the public," and questioned, "Even Kim and Kim Seong-hwan, the Democratic Party's Policy Committee Chair, are gradually stepping back. They are not the type to do such things even if there is a faint possibility. We all know that, don't we?"

Regarding the possibility that former President Moon Jae-in might come under investigation in connection with the 'West Sea civil servant shooting' incident, he said, "The prosecution will conduct a transparent and fair investigation," but added, "There is no such thing as an act of governance that transcends the constitution and laws."

He further stated, "Former President Moon was the Senior Secretary for Civil Affairs at the Blue House during the special prosecutor's investigation into North Korea remittances," and recalled, "At that time, former President Kim Dae-jung said that if his involvement was revealed, it would be regrettable but that he should take responsibility."

Regarding reports that the prosecution requested a drug-related autopsy for the families of the Itaewon disaster victims, he claimed, "The on-site medical examiner politely explained to the families the possibility that the victims might have been affected by drugs and respected the families' decision not to conduct an autopsy," adding, "Since the Supreme Prosecutors' Office did not issue any related guidelines, I do not think there was any particular problem."