Minister Yoon Ho-joong, a candidate for the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, said regarding the 'Seoul National University civilian detention and assault incident,' "I sincerely apologize to those who were harmed."
Candidate Yoon said during a personnel confirmation hearing held at the National Assembly on this day, in response to a question from People Power Party lawmaker Lee Dal-hee, "Although I did not directly participate in the assault, I feel a deep responsibility for not being able to prevent such an incident from occurring as one of the student leadership at the time."
This incident occurred in September 1984. At that time, some students at Seoul National University detained and assaulted civilians, suspecting them of being informants for the intelligence agency 'Prakchi.' Candidate Yoon was sentenced to 10 months in prison due to this incident. He stated, "I was campaigning for the position of vice president of the student council at that time, and was not a direct participant."
Candidate Yoon explained the delay in paying his comprehensive income tax. He said, "I have filed my comprehensive income tax from 2020 to 2022, but during the COVID-19 period, I reduced the rental fee by about half, and my rental income did not exceed the tax threshold for three years," adding, "I think I thought I didn't need to file later because the tax I had to pay at that time was 0 won." He further noted, "I discovered that fact belatedly this time, and I consider it fortunate that I became able to pay it."
Regarding his drunk driving in 1995, candidate Yoon stated, "Although it was during my youth, I sincerely apologize to the public for having driven under the influence," adding, "I have sought to ensure that I do not make such mistakes again since then."