Rep. Jang Dong-hyuk’s ‘conflict of interest’ issues head-on conflict
Korea, Park Bum-gye and nervous battle over ‘special inspector’s activity expenses’
Minister of Justice Han Dong-hoon and Democratic Party lawmaker Choi Kang-wook clashed head-on at the Legislative and Judiciary Committee of the National Assembly on the 22nd. It is related to the so-called ‘Channel A case’, in which Minister Han colluded with a reporter in 2020 to bring up the suspicion of Mr. In relation to the case, Minister Han was acquitted, and Rep. Choi is being tried in the first trial on charges of defamation by distributing false information following posting a falsely exaggerated article on social media.
The power of the people is Jang Dong-hyuk, who said, “Minister Han is a party directly or indirectly related to the fact that (Rep. Choi) is being tried, and it raises the question of whether it is appropriate to continue asking and answering questions regarding the person involved.” It started with a speech by a legislator. Here, Rep. Choi asked Rep. Jang, “(Minister Han claims to be a victim), but don’t many view me as a victim?” Then a minister turned to Rep. Choi and said, “I am the victim. Haven’t you been charged?”, and Rep. Choi raised his voice, “Where are you interfering with your personal statement now?”
Minister Han, who was given the opportunity to speak once more, emphasized once once more that “the actual victim of the incident is me, and the perpetrator is Rep. Choi.” He then criticized Rep. Choi, saying, “I hope that you can clearly point out whether it is allowed within the scope of the conflict of interest regulations under the National Assembly Act for the perpetrator to ask questions to the victim using his/her qualifications as a member of the Judiciary Committee.”
Meanwhile, in the Judiciary Committee on the 25th of last month, following a question from the National Assembly on the 25th, there was also a war of nerves between Minister Han and former Justice Minister Park Beom-gye, a Democratic Party lawmaker. It is regarding the fact that 770 million won was reflected in the budget for the fiscal year 2021 of the Ministry of Justice reported on the same day as a special inspector’s activity expense item. Rep. Park said, “The cost of special inspection activities without a special inspector is absurd. Minister Han replied, “It is a matter for you to consider together,” to the effect that no special inspectorate has been appointed since the Moon Jae-in administration. Rep. Park replied, “Don’t just talk regarding the past, we need a forward-looking attitude.” Minister Han said, “How can there be a future without a past?” I will keep in mind the good intentions.”
Reporter Ko Jae-yeon yeon@hankyung.com