The opposition's all-out offensive continues over Minister of Justice nominee Kim Seung-won's "new drug approval lobbying allegations." But in political circles, some say, "Only independent Han Dong-hoon is standing out, so the People Power Party is unlikely to feel at ease."
While Han has been successively releasing recordings that contain signs of lobbying, the PPP has yet to land a solid blow. In particular, party leader Jang Dong-hyeok expelled Han and then took the confrontation to the extreme by fielding a PPP candidate in Busan Buk-gu-gap in the June 3 by-election, so the recent situation is unlikely to be welcome.
◇ Song Young-gil, then Choi Jae-sung, now even Han Byeong-do… all eyes on Han Dong-hoon's words
Allegations of new drug lobbying by Minister of Justice nominee Kim Seung-won are spreading far and wide. Independent lawmaker Han Dong-hoon is ratcheting up pressure on Kim and the government-ruling party by releasing new recordings each day from broker Yang, a person surnamed Yang. The Democratic Party of Korea is pushing back by questioning the source of the materials, but public opinion is shifting sharply.
Controversy is intensifying over Kim, who led the cancellation of President Lee Jae-myung's indictment, but the opposition People Power Party is not exactly rejoicing. That is because independent Han Dong-hoon is effectively leading the charge against nominee Kim on his own.
Han serves on the Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee, so he cannot attend Kim's confirmation hearing. As a result, some are even saying the People Power Party should yield one hearing committee seat to Han. A political source said, "This is a situation where the PPP could reap the benefits from the controversy over Kim, but since Han Dong-hoon is monopolizing the spotlight, it doesn't look like the party leadership can simply welcome it."
On the morning of the 8th, Han additionally released on his Facebook page a call recording between broker Yang and Genencell CEO, a person surnamed Kang. According to the Sept. 1, 2021, call log released by Han, Kang said, "There was a preliminary meeting (at the Ministery of Food and Drug Safety) yesterday, but the person in charge changed again," and added, "The MFDS is always like that, originally we have to get IND (investigational new drug application) approval before the 24th to apply on the 24th. For the government support funds."
Yang replied, "You know that MFDS you just mentioned. This doesn't cost money to do. This administration helps with things that don't cost money. I know a lot of key people in this administration."
Yang said, "In short, the current MFDS commissioner and National Assembly member Choi Jae-sung are very close. Choi Jae-sung served as senior presidential secretary for political affairs and is outside now, but President Moon (Jae-in) trusts him a lot. So he can sway the administration a bit," adding, "So Han Byeong-do and Choi Jae-sung are very close, and Han Byeong-do and Song Young-gil are very close."
In the recordings released by Han, lawmaker Song Young-gil and former senior presidential secretary Choi Jae-sung appeared, fueling controversy, and in the latest recording even floor leader Han Byeong-do was mentioned by name. Early in the reshuffle, nominee Kim was overshadowed by the controversy over Minister of Gender Equality and Family nominee Yong Hye-in's "dual role as proportional representative and minister," drawing little attention, but now the focus of national politics appears to be shifting to Kim.
◇ Criticism over leak of prosecutors' investigative materials also emerges within the PPP
The People Power Party is also treating Kim's withdrawal as a foregone conclusion and mounting attacks day after day. But its feelings are complicated. It is displeasing that independent Han, who is at odds with party leader Jang Dong-hyeok, is effectively steering the political landscape. Lawmakers Joo Jin-woo and Na Kyung-won are raising allegations about Kim's family corporations, among other issues, but the impact is not comparable.
Park Min-young, media Spokesperson who speaks for the PPP leadership camp, even posted a message on Facebook on the 6th targeting Han. Park said, "The Kim Seung-won case was investigated in a mess, leading to acquittal and suspension of indictment, and that happened because he failed to do his job properly when he was Minister of Justice," adding, "Han Dong-hoon should just do nothing and keep his mouth shut."
Ahn Cheol-soo, who has recently shifted into a hardline mode, also targeted Han in a Facebook post that day, saying, "With suspicions added about prosecutors leaking investigative materials, the left-wing camp, torn by Yong Hye-in, is regrouping and talking even louder."
There is also chatter regarding Han's request, "Please appoint me as a questioning member for Kim Seung-won's confirmation hearing." For Han, who sits on the Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee, to serve on Kim's hearing panel, he would need a temporary reassignment to the Legislation and Judiciary Committee. That would require a PPP member of the judiciary committee to hold the seat for him, a scenario that would be a blow to the People Power Party's pride.
A People Power Party official said, "Yielding a hearing committee seat for Han is close to an impossible demand, either for the party or for individual lawmakers," adding, "This controversy itself is burdensome."