'Handonghun Residential Intrusion' Further Investigation... Police Conduct Search and Seizure (Comprehensive)

Securing Investigation Materials After 4-Hour Standoff

Minister of Justice Han Dong-hoon.
Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Ye-ju] On the 7th, the police investigating the case of Minister of Justice Han Dong-hoon’s residential intrusion searched the offices of the YouTube media outlet 'Citizen Press The Tam-sa' (hereafter The Tam-sa).

The Anti-Corruption and Public Crime Investigation Unit of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency sent investigators from the morning to The Tam-sa’s office located in Byeollae-dong, Namyangju, Gyeonggi Province, on charges including joint residential intrusion, presenting them with a search warrant for video production-related materials.

The police attempted the search from around 11 a.m. but were refused entry by The Tam-sa, entering the office only after about four hours.

The Tam-sa staff locked the entrance door from the inside, formed a scrum to block entry, and live-streamed the scene on YouTube. Posting on social media under the title “Urgent Notice,” they claimed, “We have cooperated sincerely with previous searches, but we can no longer comply with the regime’s search that recklessly infringes on press freedom.” After supporters watching YouTube and social media gathered in front of the office, the standoff between both sides lasted over four hours.

At around 3:30 p.m., the police forcibly opened the office door using fire department personnel and executed the search warrant. Even after entering the office, the police had a prolonged dispute with The Tam-sa officials over the scope of the search.

The police also obtained a search warrant for some reporters affiliated with The Tam-sa and reportedly secured the black box from the vehicle of Kang Jin-gu, co-representative of The Tam-sa.

The Tam-sa reporters are accused of visiting Minister Han’s residence door without his consent or permission. On the 27th of last month, they went to an apartment in Dogok-dong, Gangnam-gu, entered through the shared entrance, took the elevator to Minister Han’s floor, and asked, “Is Minister Han here?” and “We are from The Tam-sa for reporting.” They then checked the packages placed in front of Minister Han’s residence and left after noticing no signs of presence. It is known that Minister Han’s wife and children were at home at the time. On the same day in the afternoon, Minister Han’s side filed a complaint with the police accusing them of joint residential intrusion and retaliatory crimes.

The police are also investigating allegations that The Tam-sa reporters followed Minister Han on his way home and disclosed the list of victims of the Itaewon tragedy without the consent of the bereaved families.