Han Dong-hoon

Early life and education

Han Dong-hoon was born on May 9, 1973. He graduated from Seoul National University with a Bachelor of Laws degree.

Prosecutorial career

Han embarked on a career as a prosecutor, serving for over two decades. He gained prominence for his involvement in numerous high-profile corruption investigations, particularly those targeting influential political figures. He was known for his role in investigations related to former presidents Lee Myung-bak and Park Geun-hye. His career path often intersected with that of Yoon Suk-yeol, who was also a prosecutor before entering politics, leading to a perception of him as a close associate of President Yoon.

Political career

Minister of Justice

In May 2022, following the inauguration of President Yoon Suk-yeol, Han Dong-hoon was appointed as the Minister of Justice. During his time as Justice Minister, he focused on judicial reform, crime prevention, and enhancing national security, often advocating for a strong stance against corruption and criminal activity. His tenure was marked by efforts to address issues such as drug-related crimes and enhance prosecutorial independence, though some of his policies drew criticism from opposition parties.

Leader of the People Power Party

Han resigned from his position as Minister of Justice in December 2023 to take on the role of interim leader (Emergency Committee Chairperson) of the ruling People Power Party (PPP). His appointment was seen as an effort to revitalize the party ahead of the critical April 2024 general election. As party leader, he spearheaded the PPP's campaign, articulating the party's vision and challenging the opposition. Following the PPP's defeat in the 2024 general election, where the party failed to secure a majority, Han Dong-hoon resigned from his leadership position on April 11, 2024, taking responsibility for the election outcome.