South Korean Prime Minister's Office official accused of impersonating citizen

A controversy has erupted in South Korea following allegations that an official from the Prime Minister's Office impersonated a private citizen to question independent lawmaker Han Dong-hoon during a press conference at the National Assembly.

The Prime Minister's Office clarified that a division manager from the Office for Government Policy Coordination was passing through the Rotunda Hall on official business and asked an impromptu question. The office denied any intent to infiltrate the meeting or conduct surveillance, though they issued a strict warning to the official for failing to disclose their identity. The official reportedly claimed to be a “private citizen” when asked for their affiliation.

Lawmaker Han Dong-hoon has rejected the explanation, characterizing the incident as “spy-like surveillance” and an attempt at public opinion manipulation. He accused the official of lying about their identity to avoid detection of political neutrality violations.

The People Power Party has joined the criticism, calling the incident a “destruction of democracy” and demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Han Seong-suk. Party members across various factions have argued that the incident undermines the separation of powers and the authority of the National Assembly, questioning whether the official acted under direct orders.