Handonghun "Bottom of the 9th, Two Outs Two Strikes... Swing Without Regret"

Former Minister of Justice Han Dong-hoon explained the background of his resignation from the ministerial post and acceptance of the position of Emergency Response Committee Chairperson of the People Power Party on the 21st by saying, "In the bottom of the ninth inning with two outs and two strikes, even if the pitch you want doesn't come, or if it's ambiguous whether it's a strike or a ball, I believe you have to swing without regret."

He also stated the reason for accepting the Emergency Response Committee Chairperson position earlier than expected, saying, "Since I have made up my mind, there is no reason to hesitate or test the waters just to maintain appearances."

Former Minister of Justice Han Dong-hoon is performing the national ceremony at the farewell ceremony held at the Ministry of Justice in Gwacheon Government Complex on the afternoon of the 21st.

Former Minister Han made these remarks during a meeting with reporters after the farewell ceremony for the Minister of Justice held at the Gwacheon Government Complex in the afternoon.

He appeared to liken the current crisis situation, where the Democratic Party of Korea, which has exercised overwhelming legislative power after securing a majority of seats in the National Assembly in the last general election, is projected to win 200 seats in the next general election, to the bottom of the ninth inning with two outs and two strikes in baseball.

When asked why he used the term "fellow citizens" in his farewell speech, former Minister Han replied, "It's an expression I often use. Building a democratic society and maintaining democracy is about solidarity and a sense of fellowship among each other. In that sense, I have frequently used the term 'fellow citizens'."

In his farewell address, former Minister Han said, "I wanted to do well," and added, "I wanted to make the lives of fellow citizens a little better."

Regarding the background of accepting the Emergency Response Committee Chairperson position, he said, "In the face of an extraordinary reality, rather than having vague confidence that 'I can do well,' I feel a greater sense of responsibility to do well for fellow citizens and the country," adding, "In the bottom of the ninth inning with two outs and two strikes, even if the pitch you want doesn't come, or if it's ambiguous whether it's a strike or a ball, I believe you have to swing without regret."

He continued, "Together with sensible fellow citizens, I will work to create a path for the future of the Republic of Korea. I intend to lead with the compass of the people's common sense and thoughts. That compass alone cannot reveal all the deserts or valleys along the way, but I will listen to and respect not only the supportive opinions but also the diverse critical voices and keep going until the end. I promise to accomplish this with courage and dedication."

When asked why he accepted the Emergency Response Committee Chairperson position earlier than expected, former Minister Han said, "People around me said that, according to Yeouido's customs, I should deliberate carefully and create a scene of three visits to the same person. But since I have made up my mind, there is no reason to hesitate or test the waters just to maintain appearances. Otherwise, the people watching would find it tedious."

When asked, "Your first task will likely be appointing members of the Emergency Response Committee. Do you have any criteria or have you contacted anyone?" he said, "The Emergency Response Committee Chairperson literally means an emergency situation, so I think it is important to bring in capable people who can passionately dedicate themselves for the people," adding, "I have not contacted anyone in particular."

When asked if he intends to meet former People Power Party leader Lee Jun-seok, who has announced plans to form a new party, former Minister Han said, "I think I should meet various people regardless of party affiliation," but added, "I have not thought about any specific person."

When asked if there was a special reason that changed his mind about participating in politics, he replied, "I have avoided politics in the sense of a struggle to seize power, and I have not actually engaged in such activities, but I believe I have been involved in politics in the broader sense of pursuing the public good for over 20 years. I think reporters are also involved in that kind of politics," adding, "With that same mindset, I am now trying to enter practical politics. The purpose is to make the lives and future of the Korean people better."

Regarding questions about the Immigration Office project promoted during his tenure as Minister of Justice, he said, "If I become the Emergency Response Committee Chairperson of the ruling party, I believe I can better promote the policies I pursued selflessly for the public good in the National Assembly," adding, "Just because I step down as Minister of Justice does not mean the good policies promoted by the Ministry of Justice will fade away. They will do better."

When asked about the relationship between the party and the government, he said, "The President, the ruling party, and the government are all institutions that must work and cooperate for the people within the scope of the Constitution and laws," adding, "Although the People Power Party is a minority party, it has the advantage of administering the government after winning the presidential election. Therefore, the policies of the People Power Party are immediately implemented, but those of the majority Democratic Party are only promises."

He continued, "I intend to understand and utilize that synergy well to implement policies necessary for the people."

When asked about the meaning of his statement in the farewell speech that he "wanted to prepare for the future," he said, "What I meant was that I wanted to responsibly prepare for the demographic disaster era and the catastrophic situation Korea will face. I have never wanted to be anything since I was young, but I have had many things I wanted to do," adding, "I want to make our country better and provide a good life for the people."

When asked about the various voices regarding unification, former Minister Han said, "The People Power Party is a party that advocates liberal democracy. The more diverse voices there are, the stronger we become and the better we can serve the people," adding, "I will listen carefully to diverse voices and ultimately lead the party to win by uniting into one voice when it is time to win."

Finally, when asked about the controversy and concerns regarding a sitting Minister of Justice immediately becoming the ruling party's Emergency Response Committee Chairperson, former Minister Han said, "I think it is a matter that can be discussed," adding, "There have been unprecedented events in Korea over the past 10 years, but I believe I have never stepped outside the duties or positions I held during my work. That has been the case so far and will continue to be so."

Former Minister Han met with Yoon Jae-ok, Acting Leader and Floor Leader of the People Power Party, at a location in Seoul in the morning and was offered and accepted the position of Emergency Response Committee Chairperson. In the afternoon, he expressed his resignation to President Yoon Suk-yeol, who immediately approved the dismissal. Until a successor Minister of Justice is appointed, the Ministry of Justice will be operated under the acting leadership of Vice Minister Ino Gong.