Han Dong-hoon Fails to Appear for Witness Examination Three Times in a Row... Fourth Summons Scheduled for the 10th of Next Month

[Financial News] Han Dong-hoon, former leader of the People Power Party, has failed to appear at three consecutive witness examination sessions scheduled by the court. In response to a request from the Special Prosecutor Team for Insurrection and Treason, the court has decided to summon Han again on the 10th of next month.
On the afternoon of the 23rd, Judge Jeon Eun-jin of the Seoul Central District Court held a pretrial witness examination hearing for Han. Han did not appear in court on this day, following absences on the 23rd of last month and the 2nd of this month.
The court stated, "The witness did not appear, and although both mail and court officer delivery were attempted, service could not be completed due to 'no one at home.'" The court then sought the opinion of the special prosecutor team.
A member of the special prosecutor team responded, "It is necessary to hear testimony from Han Dong-hoon either through a witness examination in court or by questioning him as a reference," and requested that another hearing be scheduled.
The special prosecutor team also emphasized that witness examinations for three People Power Party lawmakers are scheduled at the Seoul Southern District Court early next month, and there is no reason to withdraw only Han's summons.
Accordingly, the court stated, "From the court's perspective, we will summon him one more time," and set the next hearing for 2 p.m. on the 10th of next month.
On the same day, Han was reportedly traveling through the southern region of Gyeonggi Province to listen to public opinion. Regarding the request to appear for witness examination, he has maintained that attendance is unnecessary, stating, "I have already sufficiently explained the situation at the time through my book and various interviews."
Previously, the court held two witness examination sessions at the request of the special prosecutor team, but both were canceled due to Han's absence. At the last session, the court asked the special prosecutor team to consider whether it was necessary to continue the witness examination if Han continued not to appear, but the team did not withdraw their request.
The special prosecutor team is currently investigating allegations that, during the martial law period, Choo Kyung-ho, then floor leader of the People Power Party, changed the location of the party caucus several times at the request of Yoon Suk Yeol's side to obstruct participation in the vote to lift martial law.
The special prosecutor team maintains that Han, as the party leader at the time, was well acquainted with the internal decision-making process and recorded related details in his book, making it necessary to hear his testimony.

scottchoi15@fnnews.com Choi Eun-sol Reporter