Robert Hur, 51, a former special counsel of Korean descent, gained prominence in the U.S. political arena in March amid the presidential race. His investigation into allegations of classified document mishandling by President Joe Biden—an inquiry spanning approximately 13 months from Jan. 2023 to Feb. 2024—culminated in a report describing Biden as an “elderly man with a poor memory.” The report ignited intense political debate and heightened concerns about the president’s age, ultimately prompting Biden to withdraw as the Democratic candidate in July.
Born in 1973, Robert Hur is a highly accomplished legal professional with a degree in English and American Literature from Harvard University and a law degree from Stanford Law School. He previously served as the U.S. Attorney for Maryland. Since leaving public service in February, he has been a partner at King & Spalding, a global law firm headquartered in Washington, D.C. In an interview with the ChosunIlbo on Nov. 17, Hur reflected on his heritage, stating, “My parents’ diligence and perseverance have been my lifelong inspiration. I am proud of my Korean heritage.”
In a New Yorker interview last March, you mentioned, “Because of my strict Korean upbringing, playing the drums was my form of rebellion.” Could you share more about your parents?
“My parents are first-generation immigrants who lived through the Korean War. My father often recalls with gratitude how U.S. soldiers shared food with him and his siblings, while my mother has told me stories of fleeing south to escape the conflict. They met when my father was in medical school, and my mother was working as a nurse. After getting married, they moved to the U.S. and settled in California. Like many Korean parents, they placed great importance on education and were proud when I graduated with honors from Harvard and Stanford. Growing up, I watched my father work tirelessly as a doctor while my mother dedicated herself to running our household. Their unwavering diligence and perseverance have been a constant source of inspiration throughout my life.”
During your tenure as special counsel, you faced criticism for describing President Biden as an “elderly man with a poor memory” in your report. What motivated you to take on such a demanding role?
“When Attorney General Merrick Garland first approached me, I was working in the private sector and quite content with my position. I understood immediately that the role would be difficult and attract significant public scrutiny. However, my background in managing sensitive investigations and familiarity with the Department of Justice’s procedures gave me confidence in my ability to handle the task. Throughout my career, I’ve strived to uphold the values of fairness and impartiality, and I saw this position as an opportunity to reinforce those principles. Ultimately, I accepted the role out of a profound sense of duty to the U.S. My family’s experiences during the Korean War and the opportunities this country provided us instilled in me a commitment to give back through public service.”
The former special counsel testified in front of the House Judiciary Committee in March, facing a highly charged partisan confrontation between Democrats and Republicans. Seated alone at the witness table, Hur remained composed as lawmakers from both sides engaged in heated exchanges. The Hill, a policy and political news outlet, described him as “the sole clear winner of the day,” praising his steadfast commitment to neutrality and refusal to align with any political faction. Addressing allegations of bias in his report, Hur firmly stated, “Partisan politics have no place in my work.” However, he declined to answer this paper’s question on whether reinvestigating Biden would yield the same conclusion.
Did your Korean heritage play a role in your success?
“I take great pride in my Korean heritage and identity. Being of Korean descent has opened many doors for me, providing invaluable opportunities along the way. Looking ahead, I hope to contribute further by advising Korean companies and combining my cultural understanding of Korea with my experience in U.S. law enforcement. I recognize that roles like mine often lack Asian American representation, and I strive to serve as a role model for young lawyers, especially those of Asian descent.”
Hur reflected on his tenure as the first Korean American U.S. Attorney for Maryland, serving from 2018 to 2021, as one of his most significant accomplishments. He underscored his efforts to combat hate crimes against Asian Americans in Baltimore during that time. “During the COVID-19 outbreak, Maryland Governor Larry Hogan, whose wife, Yumi Hogan, is Korean, expressed deep concern about the surge in anti-Asian violence,” Hur recalled. “I felt a deep responsibility to take action.”
Do you feel comfortable using Korean?
“I hope to be fluent, but I still need more practice. My parents sent me to Korean language school every Saturday morning when I was in elementary school. As a child, I would visit Korea during the summers to see relatives, and after graduating from college, I even studied at Yonsei University. These days, Korean culture is hugely popular in the U.S., and I believe there’s no better way for the two countries to understand and respect each other than through culture. I’m particularly impressed by Korea’s industries—Hyundai and Kia, for example, create exceptional car designs. I’m also a big fan of the Netflix series Squid Game and can’t wait for the second season.”
What is your ultimate life goal?
“My goal is to use the opportunities and privileges I’ve been given to help others and to be a good father and husband.”
Hur married Cara Elizabeth Brewer, an associate in a law firm, in 2004. Brewer, one year younger than Hur, first crossed paths with him in a chance encounter on the subway—a memorable meeting that was even featured in The New York Times. Hur recalled that he initiated the relationship by asking for her phone number, leading to their first date and eventually marriage. However, he admitted with a laugh, “I wasn’t going to be the freak who hits on a woman in a subway station,” revealing that it was Brewer who actually spoke to him first.
On weekends, Hur and his wife enjoy trying out new restaurants, though he joked, “We always end up back at our favorite spot for jjajangmyeon and jjamppong.”
