Han Dong-hoon, a People Power Party presidential primary candidate, stated on the 20th, "The proposed lack-of-consent rape law can create many unjustly accused individuals," and strongly opposed it.
Han made this statement on his Facebook that day.
Previously, Kim Dong-yeon, a Democratic Party primary candidate, pledged to introduce a lack-of-consent rape law, asserting that he would create a fair and safe society for women, thereby making it a major issue in this presidential election.
The lack-of-consent rape law focuses on changing the requirements for the crime of rape from perpetrator violence and threats to the victim's consent under the amendment of Article 297 of the Criminal Act. The idea is to change the social perception that demands the victim's "active resistance."
Women's groups and others have criticized that rape often occurs due to unequal power structures, such as exploiting women's vulnerable positions and intimate relationships, but the current law fails to reflect reality.
Han stated, "Even under current law, lack of consent results in punishment," and noted, "If the lack-of-consent rape law is introduced, the accused will have to essentially prove that there was consent, and many unjust cases will emerge in the process."
He added, "I support strict punishment for sex crimes, but the state must prevent unjust accusations."
He added, "I support strict punishment for sex crimes, but the state must prevent unjust accusations."
Han previously expressed opposition during his time as Minister of Justice in 2023 when he attended a parliamentary session, stating, "If a person suspected of a crime cannot prove in court that consent was given at the scene, they will be unjustly punished." He noted that "understanding and proving the other party's intentions is extremely difficult" and expressed opposition.
Moreover, Han announced a real estate policy pledge that day to promote redevelopment and reconstruction by easing regulations.
He stated, "I will abolish the reconstruction excess profit recovery system (known in Korea as "rechohwan"), which hinders smooth progress in redevelopment."
He emphasized, "In major cities with limited land, redevelopment and reconstruction must proceed swiftly for smooth new supply," and added, "I will boldly abolish rechohwan to expedite reconstruction."
He also indicated plans to relax the limits on floor area ratio and building coverage ratio.
Han explained, "The current floor area ratio system for residential area types 1, 2, and 3 was established with the 2000 comprehensive revision of the Urban Planning Act." He noted, "In 2000, Seoul's housing prices were not as high as now, so increasing supply was not as urgent, and the construction market at that time was also affected."
He continued, "The framework created then remains unchanged even after a quarter of a century, and I will adjust the limits on floor area ratio and building coverage to promote redevelopment and reconstruction and increase real estate supply to stabilize dwelling prices."
He also mentioned, "I will actively support reconstruction through adjustments in public contributions for new town redevelopments," and said, "I will significantly expand the supply of general housing for youth and newlyweds in areas where the greenbelt is lifted."