Hong Joon-pyo backs criticism of Han Dong-hoon over leaked investigation records

Han Dong-hoon’s release of call recordings tied to allegations against Justice Minister nominee Kim Seung-won has triggered attacks from within the conservative camp.

Park Min-young, a media spokesperson identified with the People Power Party’s leadership faction, accused Han of “looking pathetic after leaking internal prosecution materials and getting hit back.” Park wrote on Facebook that Han should stop speaking and argued that the investigation into the Kim case had gone wrong during Han’s tenure as justice minister.

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He is just looking pathetic after leaking internal prosecution materials and getting hit back.

Park was referring to the Democratic Party’s challenge to how the recordings were obtained and its moves to pursue a complaint after Han raised allegations that Kim sought help securing rapid approval for a new-drug clinical trial. Park also accused Han of helping President Lee Jae-myung and the Democratic Party rather than strengthening the opposition’s efforts.

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Park Min-young is a really smart fellow.

Hong Joon-pyo, a former Daegu mayor who has repeatedly criticized Han, endorsed Park in a comment on his political platform, writing, “Park Min-young is a really smart fellow.” Hong has previously called Han a conservative traitor and used the nickname “Joseon’s top chewing gum” to attack him.

Ahn Cheol-soo separately said questions remained over lobbying, solicitation and family-related issues involving Kim. He called for confirmation of whether forensic phone records and an indictment plan were genuine prosecution documents, and how they reached a lawmaker with a prosecution background. Ahn also said the prosecutor involved should be asked about allegations that a planned prison sentence was changed to a suspended indictment.

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Han Dong-hoon should just do nothing and keep his mouth shut.