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🇰🇷 South Korea /Elections & Politics

Democratic Party: Han Chan-shik is the Right Choice to Complete Prosecutorial Reform

From Hankyoreh · () Korean

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources New plan
  • The Democratic Party has appointed Han Chan-shik as the new Senior Secretary for Civil Affairs, praising him as the right person to complete prosecutorial reform.
  • Party officials highlighted Han's 17 years of experience in the prosecution service as key to his suitability for the role.
  • Han's appointment comes as discussions on the second phase of prosecutorial reform are underway, though some opposition parties have expressed concerns about his past record.

The Democratic Party has lauded the appointment of Han Chan-shik as the new Senior Secretary for Civil Affairs, describing him as the ideal candidate to finalize prosecutorial reforms. The party emphasized Han's extensive background, noting his 17 years of service within the prosecution system as a strong qualification for driving forward the reform agenda.

Han is the right person to complete the prosecutorial reform that the public desires, based on his expertise.

— Kang Joon-hyunDemocratic Party Senior Spokesperson, commenting on Han Chan-shik's appointment.

Kang Joon-hyun, the party's senior spokesperson, stated that Han's expertise, gained through roles such as Human Rights Director at the Ministry of Justice and positions within the prosecution's leadership, makes him well-suited to implement reforms that align with public expectations. Kang added that Han's career demonstrates a commitment to both strict law enforcement and human rights, aligning with President Lee Jae-myung's vision for judicial reform and practical governance.

Han's first major task will involve coordinating the legislative direction for the revised Criminal Procedure Act, specifically concerning supplementary investigation rights. He previously led investigations into sensitive cases, including the "Blue House blacklist" scandal during his tenure as head of the Seoul Eastern District Prosecutors' Office from 2018 to 2019. Han departed the prosecution service in July 2019, shortly after Yoon Suk-yeol, a junior from his law school class, was appointed Prosecutor General.

Han served as Human Rights Director and in the prosecution's leadership, accumulating expertise in strict law enforcement and human rights sensitivity.

— Kang Joon-hyunDemocratic Party Senior Spokesperson, highlighting Han Chan-shik's qualifications.

The appointment has not been without criticism. The Cho Kuk Innovation Party has voiced concerns, releasing a statement suggesting that Han's "anti-reform past" could be a hindrance as the second phase of prosecutorial reform discussions progresses later this year. This highlights the ongoing political sensitivity surrounding judicial and prosecutorial power in South Korea.

Han's anti-reform past raises concerns as we approach the second phase of prosecutorial reform discussions.

— Cho Kuk Innovation PartyExpressing reservations about the new Senior Secretary for Civil Affairs.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Hankyoreh in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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