Na Kyung-won 'Allegation of Soliciting Dismissal of Prosecutor Han Dong-hoon' Not Proven... 'No Punishment Regulations for Solicitation Without Compensation'
The police have concluded that there is insufficient evidence to support allegations that South Korean lawmaker Na Kyung-won solicited the dismissal of prosecution against her from former Justice Minister Han Dong-hoon.
The Seoul Yeongdeungpo Police announced on June 6 that they will not pursue allegations against Na Kyung-won, a member of the National Assembly, regarding her alleged solicitation of Han Dong-hoon for the dismissal of prosecution related to the fast-track incident at the National Assembly. This allegation arose during a debate for the leadership of the ruling People Power Party (PPP) in July 2024, when Han revealed that Na had solicited him for the dismissal of her own case stemming from the Assembly incident. Na initially refuted the claim, but Han supported it, stating that it was a personal request from Na.
Following these revelations, members of the opposing Democratic Party reported Na for allegedly violating the Solicitation Law and obstructing public duties. However, the police determined that since Na did not offer any compensation for the request, they could not proceed with charges under the solicitation law, which does not penalize requests made without a quid pro quo. Additionally, they ruled that there were no elements of assault or threats that would support the obstruction of public duties charge, although they noted that Na's actions could be subject to fines.
This case stems from the National Assembly's fast-track incident in April 2019, which involved physical clashes between political parties over the designation of rapid processing bills, including the establishment of the Corruption Investigation Office for High-Ranking Officials. The previous Free South Korea Party, the forerunner of the PPP, saw 27 of its members and aides indicted as a result. Na, who was then the party's floor leader, received a sentence of a fine of 24 million won in November of the previous year and has since appealed that decision.