Justice Minister to take over PPP emergency committee

Dec 22, 2023, 09:54 am

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Justice Minister Han Dong-hoon poses for a commemorative photo with officials at the justice ministry in Gwacheon, south of Seoul, on Dec. 21, 2023, after holding his departure ceremony./ Source: Yonhap News

By AsiaToday reporter Park Ji-eun

Justice Minister Han Dong-hoon resigned from his position as justice minister on Thursday after accepting the ruling People Power Party’s request to assume chairmanship of its emergency committee.

Han, who stepped down from the Cabinet after a year and seven months in office, will take the role of the ruling party’s emergency committee and lead the April general elections. As the PPP plans to convene a national committee on Tuesday for ratification of the emergency committee, selection of the committee members will be finalized by the end of the year.

“I feel a great responsibility to do well for the nation and fellow citizens,” Han told reporters in a press conference after a speech marking his resignation.

Han said he has no regrets as he chooses to enter politics to “take a swing in the ninth inning with two outs and two strikes. On the upcoming general elections, he expressed his determination to make the PPP a party of victory.

Regarding the selection of the emergency committee members, he said, “It is important to have talented people who can devote themselves to the people with passion.”

At the ceremony, Han said he wanted to “be on the side of the ordinary people and the vulnerable groups” as justice minister. “I wanted to prepare for the future of this country,” he said. “I confess it was great to work with you. I wish you good luck,” he added.

Later in the day, President Yoon Suk-yeol accepted Han’s resignation as minister.

Earlier, Rep. Yun Jae-ok, the party’s acting chief and floor leader, said in a press conference at the National Assembly, that Minister Han accepted the party’s proposal that he assume chairmanship of the PPP’s emergency committee.

“The emergency committee chairperson should be someone who can push for political and cultural reform beyond party innovation,” Yun said. “Minister Han will be the youngest and most fresh chairperson who can realize this,” he said.

Han’s nomination comes as the PPP has been contemplating who should lead the party ahead of the general elections, after former leader Kim Gi-hyeon resigned under pressure last week.

#Justice Minister #Han Dong-hoon #People Power Party