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Former People Power Party leader Han Dong-hoon speaks during an appearance on SBS Radio’s “Kim Tae-hyun’s Political Show” on November 19. / Screenshot from Han Dong-hoon’s YouTube channel

A Democratic Party lawmaker on Thursday criticized former People Power Party leader Han Dong-hoon, accusing him of displaying an “immature and petty” attitude by dismissing the government’s announcement of Korea’s victory in the long-running Lone Star arbitration case.

Rep. Lee Eon-joo said in a social media post that Han has been going on radio programs to tell Prime Minister Kim Min-seok and Justice Minister Jung Chung-rae not to “take undue credit” for the ruling.

“When the Lee Jae-myung administration announced the victory as a national achievement, Han lashed out, saying they were trying to put a spoon on it. It’s an ugly look,” she wrote. “To speak of ‘putting a spoon’—why so twisted?”

Lee argued that since the arbitration win belongs to the Republic of Korea, it is natural for the sitting government to share the news with the public.

“Are we supposed to pretend we’re not happy just because the case began under the previous administration?” she asked.

She acknowledged that Han deserved recognition for deciding to file the arbitration claim during his tenure but said his reaction went far beyond that.

“He did not carry the case to victory—he left office early after resigning as justice minister. Yet he behaves as if he single-handedly delivered the win while downplaying others’ contributions. It’s unbecoming,” she said.

Lee stressed that the largest credit belongs to the career government officials and attorneys who handled the case over the years.

“The real work was done by the public servants who managed the litigation and the forum lawyers directly responsible. They remain regardless of which party is in power,” she said. “As cases become more complex in later stages, the Lee Jae-myung administration deserves recognition for bringing it to a successful close.”

She further criticized Han for demanding apologies from several DP lawmakers who had previously expressed doubts.

“Why all the fuss? If he stayed quiet, those critics would have felt awkward on their own. Instead, he only revealed his own small-mindedness,” she wrote. “Had he simply offered congratulations and acknowledged the hard work involved, people would have praised him as a mature leader.”

Lee added that the government should also acknowledge Han’s early contribution to prevent similar disputes from arising.

“He played a part in the beginning. But turning this into a battle over who gets to hold the spoon only leads to unnecessary resentment,” she said.