Hansung Sook Nominee: "Agricultural Plan Was Prepared by Proxy... Will Take Prompt Action"

"I learned of the alleged false submission through media reports"
On the Yangju illegal building controversy: "Currently discussing with legal counsel"
"Naver shares will be disposed of within one week of taking office"

Hansung Sook, nominee for Minister of SMEs and Startups, addressed the controversy over the alleged false submission of an agricultural management plan on July 10, stating, "I will promptly identify and address any parts that need correction."

On this day, as she arrived at the confirmation hearing preparation office set up at Samhee Excon Venture Tower in Yeouido, Seoul, Han told reporters, "I understand that after I signed the power of attorney at the time, a representative prepared the plan," adding, "I learned about the related details through media reports."

Hansung Sook, nominee for Minister of SMEs and Startups, is arriving at the confirmation hearing preparation office set up at Samhee Excon Venture Tower in Yeouido, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul on the 24th of last month. Photo by Yonhap News

Previously, it was revealed that in 2010, while serving as a director at Naver, Han purchased 1,151 square meters of farmland in Yangpyeong-gun, Gyeonggi Province, and listed her occupation as "self-employed" on the agricultural management plan, raising suspicions of false reporting. Regarding this, Han stated, "Through the many points raised by various people, I am also becoming aware of the aspects that need to be corrected."

Regarding the issue of illegal buildings in Yangju, Gyeonggi Province, she explained, "The land in question was inherited," and added, "My mother also inherited it, and there was a building already present before the inheritance."

Han further stated, "I became aware of the situation through related documents after the inheritance," and explained, "The building is formally registered as a church and is currently not in a condition suitable for farming." She continued, "I understand that the previous owner, my father, once filed a complaint with Yangju City regarding the illegal construction," and added, "There is also an individual with a shared ownership stake in the land, and I have contacted that person as well."

She said, "Currently, the lawyers representing both parties are discussing how to resolve the matter."

Han also announced that she would dispose of her Naver shares within one week of taking office. She stated, "Stock options will be handled in consultation with the company in accordance with Naver's internal regulations," and added, "Personally held shares will be sold within one week of my appointment, taking into account their potential impact on the market."

Previously, Han had stated that if appointed as minister, she would sell all 68,934 shares, including 60,000 shares from exercised stock options and 8,934 shares she already owned.

Regarding the recent series of allegations, she said, "At present, I believe that doing my utmost to prepare for the confirmation hearing is the best I can do."

The confirmation hearing for Han is scheduled to be held on the 15th by the National Assembly's Trade, Industry, Energy, SMEs and Startups Committee.