Korea: "Prosecution Cancellation Cannot Be Decided by Minister"... Ro: "Korea, Questioning If You Even Have Party Membership, Let Alone Party Leader" (Summary)

Han Dong-hoon Faces Intense Criticism Over Fast-Track Prosecution Dismissal Controversy
Han Dong-hoon Refutes, "Prosecution Dismissal Cannot Be Decided by Minister of Justice"
Han Dong-hoon "Price Stability First" vs Yoon Sang-hyun, Na Kyung-won, Won Hoe-ryong "Preemptive Reduction"

In the People Power Party's (PPP) televised debate for the party leadership election, the controversy over the request to withdraw the prosecution related to the 'Fast Track' (expedited legislative process) became a key issue. Candidate Na Kyung-won criticized candidate Han Dong-hoon, who disclosed the request, saying, "I wonder if he even has the qualifications to be a party member, let alone the party leader."

The PPP held a debate for the party leader candidates at the KBS studio in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul. In the earlier debate, candidate Na, who had been identified as the target of the request, launched a counterattack against candidate Han. Referring to the backlash within the party from lawmakers on trial over the Fast Track case after Han disclosed the request, Na asked, "Have your thoughts changed?" Han responded, "It is not something the Minister of Justice can decide," rebutting the claim.

Previously, during a broadcast debate on CBS the day before, Han revealed during a discussion with Na, "You once asked me to withdraw the prosecution in the Fast Track case. I told you I could not do that," adding, "The Minister of Justice cannot intervene in specific cases in that manner." This issue later became a hot topic within the party. Han apologized via social media, stating, "I did not intend to belittle those suffering from the Fast Track clash incident," and "It was an unprepared remark. I regret my lack of caution."

In the debate that day, Na also pointed out that Han "still has not escaped the mindset from his days as a prosecutor." Regarding Han's rebuttal that he misunderstood the law, Na mentioned that prosecutors handle prosecution withdrawal but added, "The Minister of Justice has general authority over investigation supervision and, in specific cases, exercises investigative supervision through the Prosecutor General."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Later, Na criticized Han for his performance during the Moon Jae-in administration, saying that while Han achieved results in investigating deep-rooted evils, his performance was lacking in investigations such as that of former Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung under the current administration. Na said, "Han did not properly fulfill the duties he should have as Minister of Justice." During this, Na remarked, "He was very active as a prosecutor under the Moon Jae-in government. The knife was sharp then, but under our administration, no significant cases have been resolved. Have you ever ordered a proper investigation into the West Sea public official incident or the forced repatriation case?" Han responded, "Of course I have," but added, "(Such remarks) could be misunderstood by the Democratic Party," and argued, "The Minister of Justice having a direction on specific cases could be seen as violating the obligation of political neutrality."

Regarding Na's aggressive attack on the prosecution withdrawal issue, Han retorted, "Are you aware that the Prosecutor General who indicted the case is President Yoon Suk-yeol?" Na responded by saying, "Do not drag the president into this."

Candidate Won Hee-ryong criticized the issue by referring to a sense of comradeship. Won said, "The minister is not just a public official but a member of the State Council who shares the president's governance philosophy and political aspects of state affairs and should make efforts in this regard. However, the Minister of Justice was merely a manager handling cases. Is that really a comrade?"

Han countered, "You misunderstand the role of the Minister of Justice." However, referring to his apology on social media regarding this issue, he said, "I should have been more considerate of the feelings of party comrades suffering from the Fast Track case, but I was not cautious enough." Nonetheless, he expressed his conviction, saying, "As Minister of Justice, it was right to refuse when such a request was made."

The issue of interest rate cuts was also discussed during the debate. In response to candidate Yoon Sang-hyun's question about the need for a preemptive interest rate cut amid expectations of rate cuts in the U.S., candidates Na and Won mentioned the need for a preemptive cut. In contrast, Han took a cautious stance, saying, "Price stability is necessary," and expressed reservations about a preemptive interest rate cut. Yoon, who posed the question, emphasized the need for a preemptive cut.

Additionally, during the debate, questions arose about Han forming a running mate team for the Supreme Council and Youth Supreme Council in this party leadership election, with some suggesting he aimed to become an 'imperial party leader.' Han laughed off the suggestion, saying, "How could I become an imperial party leader?"

Regarding issues such as the application of minimum wage to overseas workers and Na's nuclear armament theory, Han raised objections citing international agreements. Na responded,

"Politics requires decisiveness and imagination," criticizing Han. Han rebutted, "Imagination also requires a blueprint and details."