A temperature difference was confirmed between Hong Joon-pyo, a leading candidate in the People Power Party presidential primary, and Han Dong-hoon regarding the revival of the death penalty.

South Korea maintains the death penalty but has not carried out executions for a long time, classifying it as a 'de facto abolitionist country.' The last execution was carried out in December 1997, during the Kim Young-sam government, on 23 death row inmates.

Hong Joon-pyo (left) and Han Dong-hoon, candidates for the People Power Party presidential primary, speak at a debate held at the Channel A Open Studio of the Dong-A Media Center in Jongno-gu, Seoul, on the afternoon of Apr. 25, 2023./News1

The Criminal Procedure Act stipulates that 'the death penalty shall be executed by the order of the Minister of Justice.' When the Minister of Justice issues a death penalty execution order, it is carried out by hanging in correctional facilities.

At the People Power Party's presidential primary 'one-on-one debate' held at a Channel A studio in Jongno, Seoul, on the 25th, Hong Joon-pyo emphasized, "The families of the victims live in nightmares for life. The fact that murderers who killed dozens, like Yoo Young-chul and Kang Ho-soon, are still alive does not align with legal sentiments," and stated, "If I become president, I will ensure the death penalty is executed within six months."

He also questioned Han, who had served as Minister of Justice, asking, "Why didn't you issue the execution order?" while asserting that not issuing the execution order was a neglect of duty.

Han revealed that he had seriously contemplated the execution of death sentences at that time. In fact, he directed an inspection of facilities for carrying out death sentences at four correctional institutions nationwide in 2023, raising analyses that the possibility of executions was opened.

Han stated, "I have a tough stance on heinous crimes. That’s why I created life sentences without parole," adding, "I seriously considered the execution of death sentences in critical situations that did not meet the public's expectations for death row inmates."

He continued, "I reviewed overseas cases of countries like Japan, the United States, and Taiwan that carry out the death penalty," noting, "Some people misunderstand that if a country has the death penalty, it won't sign EU (European Union) and FTA (Free Trade Agreement) agreements, but that’s not true. I don’t think it’s a matter of system or diplomacy. In that respect, (the execution of the death penalty) is a matter that requires a significant decision."