During the investigation into allegations of false credentials involving the daughter of independent lawmaker Han Dong-hoon, it has been revealed that the police attempted to request materials from the United States, but the prosecution allegedly failed to properly proceed with the international criminal justice cooperation process. The Ministry of Justice stated it would verify the circumstances surrounding the matter.
According to Yonhap News, Democratic Party lawmaker Park Kyun-taek, a member of the National Assembly's Legislative and Judiciary Committee, disclosed this information based on documents submitted by the National Police Agency and the Ministry of Justice. The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency's Anti-Corruption and Public Crime Investigation Unit applied for international criminal justice cooperation in November 2022 to secure relevant materials from the U.S. However, it was reported that the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office did not forward the request to the Ministry of Justice's International Criminal Affairs Division and instead processed it as a non-delivery after 11 days.
At that time, the police were investigating allegations of false credentials related to the lawmaker's child, including ghostwriting of a thesis and exaggeration of volunteer activity records. The prosecution reportedly cited the lengthy duration of international cooperation procedures, uncertainty about the necessity of such procedures for the investigation, and low likelihood of cooperation from the U.S. as reasons for the non-delivery.
During a National Assembly audit session, lawmaker Park raised concerns about the prosecution's failure to relay the request to the Ministry of Justice. He urged Acting Minister of Justice Lee Jin-soo to consider a request for investigation at the national level, asserting that it is necessary to verify the decision-making process at that time.
In response, Acting Minister Lee stated that the prosecution would review the relevant facts and circumstances. He indicated that they would consider necessary measures based on the investigation results.
Criticism regarding the related allegations also emerged from the ruling party. Park Sung-jun, the Democratic Party's chief spokesperson, mentioned in a written briefing that it is essential to clarify whether lawmaker Han was involved in the process that halted the international cooperation request while he was serving as Minister of Justice.
The Justice Reform Party also demanded an investigation into the unusual decision by the prosecution not to forward the police's cooperation request to the Ministry of Justice. Spokesperson Lim Myung-hee pointed out that it is necessary to confirm whether the decision was made to obstruct the investigation into allegations related to Han's child.
Meanwhile, the Democratic Party announced that the Ministry of Justice is currently verifying facts related to another allegation of leaked investigation materials concerning lawmaker Han. The Ministry of Justice explained that internal verification has its limitations and that it may clarify the facts through an investigation if necessary.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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