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

[Anchor]

The spotlight has naturally turned to the new Senior Secretary for Civil Affairs, Han Chan-sik, who will lead the coordination of inspection agencies and prosecution reform. However, voices of concern have emerged from within some parts of the pro-ruling bloc. This is because he is a former prosecutor who previously led investigations targeting the Moon Jae-in administration. The presidential office emphasized that he is a "capable person suitable for completing reforms."

Reporter Kang Cheong-wan has the story.

[Reporter]

The former and current senior secretaries for civil affairs under the Lee Jae-myung administration, now in its third iteration, have all been 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, but 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 eventually left the prosecution service.

The chief prosecutor at the Eastern District Prosecutors' Office in charge of that 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 (Cho Guk Innovation Party) issued a statement today (June 21), expressing concern over what it called Han's "anti-reform" background.

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

However, the presidential office emphasizes that it prioritized his professional ability to complete prosecution reform and renew state affairs.

[Kang Hoon-sik / Presidential Chief of Staff: (Senior Secretary for Civil Affairs Han Chan-sik) will strengthen the accountability of the public service sector and complete prosecution reforms, such as the establishment of the Serious Crimes Investigation Agency and the Public Prosecution Service, without any setbacks.]

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 some ministers is expected to begin in earnest after the National Assembly confirmation hearings for Prime Minister nominee Han Sung-sook, which will be held on June 25 and 26.

(Video reporting: Jung Sang-bo | Video editing: Oh Young-taek | Design: Lee Jong-jung)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.