"'Hover Lab-Level' Allegations Must Be Investigated and Rooted Out" ... Han Dong-hoon: "If You Want Mob Revenge, Go Ahead"

Following the voluntary resignation of Justice Minister nominee Kim Seung-won, the Democratic Party of Korea stated that it "respects this anguished decision."

Park Sung-joon, chief spokesperson for the Democratic Party, said, "It was the nominee's decision that he should not place further burdens on state affairs," adding, "The Democratic Party will listen with an even lower and humbler posture and do its utmost for the success of a government of popular sovereignty."

Social media messages from Democratic Party lawmakers respecting his decision to step down also followed in succession.

Representative Seo Young-kyo, chair of the National Assembly's Legislation and Judiciary Committee, wrote, "It is regrettable, but I respect his decision."

She then described the investigation surrounding Kim as a "fabricated and targeted investigation," adding, "The truth will come to light."

Representative Park Ji-won, a member of the Legislation and Judiciary Committee, called Kim's resignation "an exemplary act of self-sacrifice" and took aim at independent lawmaker Han Dong-hoon, who has intensively raised allegations that Kim solicited approval for clinical trials of a new drug.

Park proposed to Kim, "Return to the Legislation and Judiciary Committee and let us reveal Representative Han's crimes before the public together."

Representative Song Young-gil also leveled sharp criticism at Representative Han Dong-hoon.

Song stated on his social media, "Watching this decision to accept public sentiment strengthens my resolve that the criminal acts of Representative Han—who has misled the public with disclosures on par with a yellow journalism editor-in-chief and Hover Lab—must be thoroughly investigated and eradicated."

Representative Han Dong-hoon, who became the target of concentrated attacks from the Democratic Party, held a press conference at the National Assembly this afternoon (Sept. 19).

Calling Kim's voluntary resignation a victory for the people, he fired directly at the Democratic Party:

[Han Dong-hoon / Independent Lawmaker: "Is the Democratic Party an organized crime ring that retaliates whenever one of its members is touched? I am not afraid of people imitating gangsters and coming at me in droves. If you want to take revenge, go ahead and try as much as you like."]

Even after Kim's withdrawal, the clash between the Democratic Party and Representative Han Dong-hoon over the related allegations is expected to continue.

Written by An Hye-min | Video by Na Hong-hee | Graphics by Lee Jeong-ju | Produced by SBS Digital News
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.