"Serving on the Legislation and Judiciary Committee..."... Kim Do-eup Moved by Opposition Lawmaker's Praise for Han Dong-hoon

Handonghun "Ministry of Justice Special Activity Expenses Guidelines Released to National Assembly"
Kim Youngbae "Important Decision... Will Watch with Expectations"

On the 2nd, Minister of Justice Han Dong-hoon announced that he would disclose the Ministry of Justice's special activity expense guidelines to the National Assembly, receiving 'praise' from opposition lawmakers. Kim Do-eup, Chairman of the National Assembly's Legislation and Judiciary Committee (affiliated with the People Power Party), expressed his excitement, saying, "It seems the budget review will go well."

Democratic Party lawmaker Kim Young-bae pointed out during the full meeting of the Judiciary Committee reviewing next year's Ministry of Justice budget, "During the recent national audit, specific issues related to the special activity expenses managed by the Ministry of Justice were raised," adding, "It was pointed out that about 8 billion won is managed as a total amount. This violates the National Finance Act and goes against the Ministry of Economy and Finance's guidelines to refrain from using cash. Unlike the National Tax Service or the National Police Agency, cards are not used, and the guidelines themselves are confidential, making it difficult to verify proper usage."

He continued, "The Prosecutor General also acknowledged the improper execution and asked for a more open review. First, how about disclosing the guidelines?" He suggested, "While the amount is significant, it is important to establish guidelines that ensure transparent management and proper use of tax funds."

Minister of Justice Han Dong-hoon is smiling while conversing with opposition party lawmakers at the Legislation and Judiciary Committee plenary session held at the National Assembly on the 2nd. Photo by Hyunmin Kim kimhyun81@

In response, Minister Han said, "Until now, the guidelines have not been disclosed through successive governments, but the decision was made before coming to the National Assembly, and consultations with the Supreme Prosecutors' Office have been completed," adding, "Before the next subcommittee meeting, I will explain the guidelines to the party secretaries, aligning with other institutions." This was a declaration to disclose the prosecution's special activity expense guidelines, which had not been revealed by previous administrations, to the National Assembly.

In response, Lawmaker Kim said, "Minister Han has made an important decision," and added, "I will watch with expectations."

The warmth continued throughout the question and answer session between the two.

Lawmaker Kim said, "I suggested visiting the living quarters of juvenile offenders, and it seems the director has already gone," expressing, "I appreciate the sincerity shown." Minister Han replied, "I first instructed the director to take action, and I will make time to visit myself."

As Lawmaker Kim and Minister Han showed a different demeanor from before during the Judiciary Committee period, Chairman Kim expressed his feelings with a nostalgic expression, saying, "While serving on the Judiciary Committee, Kim even praises Minister Han," and shared his thoughts, "It seems the budget will go well this year."