Handonghun, Allegations of Drinking Party in Cheongdam-dong "Must Hold Responsible for Fake News"

Demand for Public Apology from the Democratic Party

Minister of Justice Han Dong-hoon is responding during the government questioning session on education, social, and cultural issues at the National Assembly on the 8th. [Image source=Yonhap News]

Han Dong-hoon, Minister of Justice, stated on the 8th, "Even if fake news is widely spread in the political sphere or elsewhere without any sanctions, isn't it like making a profitable business? Social awareness needs to change, and it is important to set a precedent that holds people accountable to the end."

Minister Han made these remarks during a government questioning session on education, society, and culture at the National Assembly, responding to a question about fake news from Yoon Doo-hyun, a member of the People Power Party.

Minister Han referred to the 'Cheongdam-dong drinking party allegations' raised by Kim Eui-gyeom of the Democratic Party of Korea and the YouTube media outlet 'The Tam-sa,' saying, "The party should apologize officially and move on; I don't think this can just be overlooked like this. I publicly demand an apology from the Democratic Party."

Minister Han said, "Spreading fake news is a crime, but the culture has become one where those who commit such crimes feel no risk at all. I don't even drink, yet 20 to 30 percent of South Korean citizens believe that I gathered with 30 Kim & Chang (lawyers) at a drinking party in Cheongdam-dong on the early morning of July 19 last year, singing Yoon Do-hyun's songs with a cellist's accompaniment."

Minister Han added, "I believe those who spread that fake news and the Democratic Party that jumped on it have made a profitable business and then some. No one has been punished. I think this matter must be pursued to the end with patience, of course."

Minister Han also said, "Since the Constitution was established, the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea has never excluded the parliamentary immunity clause. I don't think this clause was created for this kind of behavior."