[2024 National Audit] Park Seongjae: "Moon Dahye's Drunk Driving, Public Opinion Demands Strict Punishment"

"Since the police investigation is ongoing, appropriate punishment will be carried out according to procedure"

Minister of Justice Park Seong-jae is reporting on work at the National Assembly's Legislation and Judiciary Committee's audit of the Ministry of Justice held on the 8th. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

Minister of Justice Park Seong-jae stated that the public opinion is that drunk driving must be strictly punished, in relation to the drunk driving incident involving Dahye, the daughter of former President Moon Jae-in.

On the 8th, during the National Assembly's Legislation and Judiciary Committee's audit of the Ministry of Justice, Korea Legal Aid Corporation, Korea Rehabilitation Agency, Government Legal Corporation, and Immigration Policy Research Institute, Minister Park responded to a question from Jo Bae-sook, a member of the People Power Party. Jo said, “Looking at the drunk driving behavior, there was illegal parking, nearly hitting a pedestrian, and resisting the police by pushing away an officer’s arm. The blood alcohol concentration was also dangerously high at 0.149%. Former President Moon said drunk driving can be a murderous act rather than a mistake, but supporters say she is a victim. What do you think?”

In response, Minister Park said, “There is a strong public opinion that drunk driving should be strictly punished,” and added, “Since the police investigation is ongoing, I believe appropriate punishment will be carried out according to the procedures.”

Questions were also raised regarding the disposition of the luxury handbag receipt suspicion involving Mrs. Kim. Jeon Hyun-hee, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, criticized, “It is common sense for public officials not to receive money or goods through their spouses or family members. What will you do about this?” Minister Park replied, “As you know, there are no punishment provisions regarding spouses.” Jeon responded, “According to your statement, high-ranking public officials here would face no issues or punishment even if they receive luxury handbags or expensive goods through their wives or families.” Minister Park answered, “They are not punishable under the Improper Solicitation and Graft Act.”

Jeon again pointed out that President Yoon violated the reporting obligation. Jeon emphasized, “According to the Improper Solicitation and Graft Act, when a public official’s spouse receives prohibited items, they must immediately report and return them. This matter is a clear violation of the President’s Improper Solicitation and Graft Act.”