Han Donghoon Shares Article on Kwak Jonggeun's Testimony
Former President Yoon Sukyeol reportedly stated, "I will shoot and kill them with a gun if I have to," referring to Handonghun, former leader of the People Power Party, and several other politicians, about two months before declaring martial law on December 3 last year, according to testimony in court. In response, Handonghun expressed his feelings, saying he was "devastated and heartbroken."
Handonghun, former leader of the People Power Party (left), and former President Yoon Sukyeol. Photo by Yonhap News Agency
On the 3rd, Handonghun posted an article on his Facebook page reporting that former President Yoon had made the controversial remarks, and commented as above.
He said, "Around October 1 last year, as the leader of the ruling party, I was privately requesting former President Yoon to resolve the medical crisis, crack down on unofficial aides to First Lady Kim Keonhee, and appoint a special inspector reflecting public sentiment toward Mrs. Kim, all for the success of the party and government."
On this day, during the trial of former President Yoon on charges of leading an insurrection and abuse of power at the Seoul Central District Court's Criminal Division 25 (Presiding Judge Ji Guyoun), Kwak Jonggeun, former Commander of the Army Special Warfare Command, testified that he heard Yoon mention emergency powers at a dinner following the Armed Forces Day event on October 1 last year.
Former Commander Kwak also testified, "He called out Handonghun and some politicians by name and ordered that they be brought before him. He said he would shoot and kill them with a gun if necessary."
Handonghun was assigned to the Central Investigation Department of the Supreme Prosecutors' Office in 2003, where he built a connection with Yoon Sukyeol while investigating cases such as the SK Group accounting fraud and the Grand National Party's illegal presidential campaign funds. After Yoon Sukyeol took office, Handonghun was appointed as the first Minister of Justice, and in 2024, he was elected leader of the People Power Party. However, Handonghun clashed with former President Yoon over issues such as Kim Keonhee and the increase in medical school quotas. Following the December 3 martial law, he supported Yoon's impeachment during the impeachment proceedings, leading to their split.
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