"Concerns Raised Within Pro-Ruling Bloc"... Why the New Senior Secretary for Civil Affairs' Background Is Under Scrutiny

[Anchor]

Attention has naturally turned to the new Senior Secretary for Civil Affairs, Han Chan-sik, who is set to lead the coordination of inspection agencies and prosecution reform. However, some voices of concern have emerged from within the pro-ruling bloc. This is due to his background as a former prosecutor and his history of leading investigations that targeted the Moon Jae-in administration. The presidential office emphasized that he is a "capable and suitable candidate to complete the reforms."

Here is more from reporter Kang Cheong-wan.

[Reporter]

The senior secretaries for civil affairs under the Lee Jae-myung administration, including the current appointment, have all been former high-ranking prosecutors.

It is reported that the plan to replace former Senior Secretary Bong Wook with Han Chan-sik had been under review since last month, and the concerns raised by some in the pro-ruling bloc were reportedly a variable until the very last moment.

While serving as the Chief of the Seoul Eastern District Prosecutors' Office in 2019, Han led the investigation into the "Moon Jae-in administration's Ministry of Environment blacklist case." Following that investigation, which targeted the then-ruling party, Han was passed over for promotion and left the prosecution service.

The chief prosecutor at the Eastern District Prosecutors' Office who handled the investigation at the time was Joo Jin-woo, currently a lawmaker for the People Power Party.

Furthermore, the fact that Han is the son-in-law of the late Choi Byung-yul, former leader of the Grand National Party who spearheaded the impeachment of former President Roh Moo-hyun, has also become a subject of discussion within parts of the pro-ruling bloc.

The Rebuilding Korea Party issued a statement today (June 21), expressing concerns over what it described as Han's anti-reform background.

A pro-Moon Democratic Party lawmaker told SBS, "Appointing another former prosecutor following Bong Wook amid the ongoing adjustment of investigative powers between the prosecution and police is bound to be controversial."

However, the presidential office emphasizes that it prioritized professional competence for the completion of prosecution reform and the renewal of state affairs.

[Kang Hoon-sik/Chief of Staff to the President: (Senior Secretary for Civil Affairs Han Chan-sik) will strengthen the accountability of the public service sector and ensure the seamless completion of prosecution reforms, including the establishment of the Serious Crimes Investigation Agency and the Public Prosecution Service.]

In this regard, a ruling party official stated, "It took time to dispel the concerns of some Democratic Party figures and persuade them."

Following the reshuffle of senior presidential secretaries, a cabinet reshuffle involving the replacement of some ministers is expected to begin in earnest after the National Assembly confirmation hearings for Prime Minister nominee Han Seong-sook, which will be held on June 25 and 26.

(Reported by Kang Cheong-wan | Video by Jung Sang-bo | Video Editing by Oh Young-taek | Graphics by Lee Jong-jung)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.