Democratic Party reports Han Dong-hoon over alleged leak of investigation secrets, keeps its distance from Yong Hye-in

The Democratic Party has gone on the offensive to defend Justice Minister nominee Kim Seung-won, reporting independent lawmaker Han Dong-hoon over his disclosures about allegations involving the nominee. At the same time, the party is keeping its distance from another controversial nominee, Basic Income Party lawmaker Yong Hye-in.

Democratic Party lawmaker Kim Dong-a said Han had posted text messages, bank transaction records and call details obtained during an earlier investigation into Kim Seung-won. Han had also disclosed contents of an internal prosecution document outlining an indictment plan, Kim said. He described the conduct as a serious crime involving the disclosure of official secrets, publication of alleged criminal facts, and violations of privacy and public records laws.

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Han Dong-hoon disclosed text messages, bank transaction records and call details obtained during the investigation into nominee Kim Seung-won, and even disclosed the contents of an indictment plan, an internal prosecution document.

“We are reporting Han to the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials because he illegally obtained confidential investigation records and used them for political conflict and political manipulation,” Kim said. Democratic Party spokesman Cho Kye-won separately urged Han to stop what he called “cabinet politics” carried out under the guise of verification and to apologize publicly.

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We are reporting Han to the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials because he illegally obtained confidential investigation records and used them for political conflict and political manipulation.

Han rejected the accusation on Facebook, saying, “The Democratic Party filed a complaint to shut my mouth.” He added, “There are still many righteous people who provide information for the public interest.”

The party’s response to Yong has been markedly colder. A first-term lawmaker from the Seoul metropolitan area said Yong would not necessarily pass the confirmation hearing even if she gave up her parliamentary seat. Some officials also criticized the presidential office’s personnel decision, saying younger voters strongly dislike preferential treatment and that the appointment reflected poor political judgment.

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The Democratic Party filed a complaint to shut my mouth.

The presidential office said it would watch developments through the confirmation hearings. A presidential official told the Hankyoreh, “This is the candidates’ time,” adding that the nominees should answer the various questions after the National Assembly was asked to hold hearings.

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This is the candidates’ time.