Han Donghoon's Response to Criticism That "Prosecutors Can't Succeed After Yoon"

Han Donghoon Publishes "The People Come First" ②
"Trained Over the Past Three Years as Minister and Party Leader"
"Exception to the Prosecution's Hierarchical Culture... Pointed Out President Yoon's Mistakes"
"Dislike Confrontation, But Fight Fiercely in the Public Sphere"

Han Donghoon, former leader of the People Power Party, addressed the prejudice held by some regarding his background as a former prosecutor, stating, "For three years, I underwent an unprecedentedly intense period of training, more than anyone else." He explained that after leaving the prosecution, he accumulated the experience necessary for leadership by working as a government official and politician.

On February 26, through his newly published book "The People Come First," Han made efforts to dispel biases against politicians with a prosecutorial background, such as President Yoon Sukyeol. Addressing criticism about the negative public opinion toward former prosecutors in politics, he said, "Even when I was a prosecutor, I felt like an outsider among prosecutors," adding, "Unlike what is depicted in movies or dramas, I didn't drink alcohol, I didn't blindly follow my superiors, and I don't think I ever raised my voice during investigations."

Within political circles, there have been frequent claims that Han's background as a former prosecutor, similar to President Yoon, could hinder his future presidential ambitions. Critics point out that both Han and President Yoon entered politics suddenly after a lifelong career as prosecutors, suggesting their political trajectories are similar.

In response, Han said, "I believe that anyone in a position to make nationally significant decisions must have experience in organizational management or frontline politics." He continued, "During my two years as Minister of Justice, I stood alone against the opposition party, corrected the 'prosecution reform' with essential measures such as the enforcement decree for restoring prosecutorial powers, and learned and felt a great deal in the process." He added, "While serving as the emergency committee chair and party leader, I led the general election campaign and went through difficult times, including martial law and impeachment." Han emphasized that after leaving the prosecution, he gained political experience over three years as minister, emergency committee chair, and party leader. He argued that he has acquired experience outside the prosecution, including as a politician, which President Yoon has not had.

Han also explained that the hierarchical culture typical of the prosecution does not apply to him. He said, "There is a perception that prosecutors are highly obedient to authority and conform to the system, which is often cited as a weakness, but over the past year, I have been the most courageous in trying to correct the president's mistakes." He continued, "Even during the periods of martial law and impeachment, I made decisions solely based on principle, without wavering or compromising for political advantage." He added, "If I had been influenced by organizational protectionism like hierarchical obedience, I would not have been able to stand at the forefront in blocking the martial law declared by the president we produced."

Contrary to his image of fierce debate with the opposition during his tenure as Minister of Justice, Han also stated, "I dislike fighting." He said, "I have always tried to be kind to others," but acknowledged, "Because I had to confront Lee Jaemyung and the opposition in my public role, I did develop a somewhat sharp image. Nicknames like 'Joseon's Best Prosecutor' and '1 vs. 180' stem from that. However, I don't go around picking fights in my daily life." He added, "Still, when it is necessary to fight, you must fight fiercely. You have to call out what is wrong. Although I said I dislike fighting, this is part of my public duty."