Justice Minister Nominee Kim Seung-won Addresses Legal Controversies Ahead of Confirmation

Justice Minister nominee Kim Seung-won has denied intentions to order the withdrawal of criminal indictments against President Lee Jae Myung if confirmed. Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Kim stated that the justice minister lacks direct authority over such matters and that he will respect the authority of prosecutors to maintain indictments in individual cases. This statement follows criticism from the opposition People Power Party regarding Kim's previous role as co-chair of a group of lawmakers that advocated for dropping the charges against Lee. Kim explained that his previous position reflected a belief that the state should correct indictments resulting from unlawful investigations.

Beyond the cases involving President Lee, Kim faces scrutiny over allegations of lobbying for a biotech clinical trial. Reports indicate that in October 2021, Kim sent a text message to the then-Food and Drug Safety Minister asking for an expedited review of a clinical trial application for Genencell, a company developing a Covid-19 treatment. The trial plan was approved two weeks later. Prosecutors investigated the matter and suspended Kim's indictment in December 2024, a decision Kim has challenged via a constitutional complaint. It was further alleged that a major Genencell shareholder attempted to donate 5 million won to Kim and sold a 14 percent stake in the company for 6.3 billion won shortly before the ministry's approval.

Kim has also pledged to oversee a major overhaul of the criminal justice system scheduled for October 2. This reform will abolish the existing Prosecutors Office and divide its functions between a new Public Prosecution Office under the Justice Ministry and a Serious Crimes Investigation Agency under the Interior Ministry. Kim stated his priority is to minimize public disruption and expand AI-based legal assistance.