South Korean police launch investigation into Han Dong-hoon daughter allegations

The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency's Metropolitan Crime Investigation Unit has officially begun investigating allegations that the investigation into the daughter of independent lawmaker Han Dong-hoon was suppressed. The probe follows complaints filed by civic groups, including the People's Economy Research Institute, accusing Han and several prosecutors of abuse of power and dereliction of duty.

The controversy stems from 2022, when Han served as Minister of Justice. At that time, police investigated allegations regarding his daughter's falsified academic and extracurricular credentials. However, the case was closed in December 2023 without being sent to prosecutors, citing a lack of evidence.

Complainants allege that the prosecution obstructed the investigation by refusing to request international judicial cooperation to secure overseas evidence related to copyright violations. They further claim that police failed to sufficiently verify volunteer hours, award details, and allegations of ghostwriting for academic papers before deciding not to transfer the case. The police are scheduled to conduct interviews with the complainants on May 27.