CMS to Investigate Allegations Regarding Han Dong-hoon's Daughter

Allegations of suppressing the investigation into Rep. Han's daughter come to the forefront during the Ministry of Interior and Safety Committee's comprehensive audit
Suspicions regarding AI papers and false credentials reignited… CMS states, “Reviewing the complaint”
Han Dong-hoon's side maintains a non-responsive stance, stating, “These are not new allegations, but answers given during the audit”
Responding to concerns over undermining investigative independence, CMS says, “Coordination of macro-level investigative stances is necessary”
Kim Ji-yong, Commissioner of the Major Crimes Investigation Service, is taking an oath as a witness during the 2026 comprehensive government audit held at the National Assembly's Public Administration and Security Committee on the 26th. [Yonhap News]
Kim Ji-yong, the first Commissioner of the Major Crimes Investigation Service (CMS), stated that a truth-finding investigation is necessary regarding the "allegations of suppressing the investigation into false credentials" involving the daughter of independent lawmaker Han Dong-hoon. Controversy is expected as Commissioner Kim responded to past prosecution investigations by saying, “There are parts that appear as if an investigation was not being conducted.”
During the comprehensive audit of the National Assembly's Public Administration and Security Committee on the 26th, Commissioner Kim replied “Yes” to Rep. Jung Chun-saeng of the Rebuilding Korea Party's question, “Do you agree that a truth-finding investigation is necessary regarding the police and prosecution's suppression of the investigation into Rep. Han's case?” Following Rep. Jung's question, “It looks as if the police and prosecution intentionally did not investigate on their own; what are your thoughts?” Kim replied, “There are parts that appear that way to some.”
Rep. Jung further argued, “Volunteer records include activities that haven't even been performed; isn't that a false statement?” and added, “(Rep. Han's daughter) unless she is an AI (Artificial Intelligence), it is not common sense to understand how she wrote nine papers covering law, economics, sociology, international politics, and AI engineering in less than a year.” In response, Commissioner Kim said, “A complaint has been filed and is currently under review. I will keep this in mind.”
Commissioner Kim appeared to agree with Rep. Jung's points several times. When pointed out that “The prosecution conducted 131 search and seizure operations regarding the investigations of former Justice Minister Cho Kuk and President Lee Jae-myung's wife, Kim Hye-kyung—isn't that excessive?”, he responded, “It is.” When told, “Rep. Han and his children were not summoned or investigated via written inquiry, and only his spouse was investigated once via written inquiry. It doesn't look like they lacked the will to investigate but rather chose not to investigate on their own,” Commissioner Kim replied, “There are parts that appear that way to some.”
An official from Rep. Han's office told Digital Times that day, “There is nothing to express as a formal position,” adding, “These are not newly raised allegations; Commissioner Kim of the CMS was simply answering questions during the lawmakers' inquiry process.”
When concerns were raised on the 20th that his attendance at the Cabinet meeting could undermine political neutrality, Commissioner Kim stated, “I am aware of some of the public's concerns.” In response to Rep. Kweon Young-jin of the People Power Party's question, “On what legal basis and after consulting with whom did you decide to attend the Cabinet meeting?”, Commissioner Kim replied, “It is regulated by the Constitution, the Government Organization Act, and the Cabinet Meeting Operation Regulations,” and added, “I understand that it has been fully reported to the Minister of the Interior and Safety.” When Rep. Kweon asked, “Do you plan to attend the Cabinet meeting scheduled for the 27th?”, Commissioner Kim remained cautious, saying, “I think I will have to see about that.”
Prior to the inquiries today, Rep. Park Sang-woong of the same party pointed out, “There has not been a case where the Prosecutor General attended from 2000 to 2025, a period of about 25 years,” and noted, “If investigative agencies begin to move in perfect unison according to the President's instructions, they will inevitably fall into becoming tools of power.”
Commissioner Kim also made remarks suggesting that the macro-level operational stance of investigative agencies could be coordinated in line with the government's national administration direction. Rep. Kim Ye-ji of the People Power Party asked, “Do you believe that coordinating the direction of investigations to match the government's national direction or the President's pledges is an advantage of an independent investigative agency?” To this, Commissioner Kim stated, “I believe it is correct to follow large categories of cases that align with the direction of national administration rather than focusing solely on individual cases.”
In his opening remarks today, Commissioner Kim stated, “The CMS will exercise strict investigative powers based on political neutrality, fairness, and procedural justice,” and added, “We will work to successfully establish the CMS and do our utmost to protect the rights and interests of the people.”