DPK Criticizes "Political Offensive" Against Kim Seungwon, Demands Disclosure of Recorded Call's Source

On September 5, the Democratic Party of Korea criticized the opposition's allegations against Kim Seungwon, the Minister of Justice nominee, as a political attack.

Kim Seonghoe, the party's spokesperson for parliamentary affairs, stated in a written briefing that it is "nothing but a political offensive, not a verification process," for the People Power Party and independent lawmaker Han Donghoon to raise suspicions that Kim sought approval for a COVID-19 drug clinical trial, saying, "To conclude the outcome before the hearing even begins amounts to mere political maneuvering."

He went on to point out that, "Although prosecutors under the Yoon Suk Yeol administration investigated thoroughly, they ultimately failed to indict Kim. Are they now going to deny the conclusions reached by the prosecutors they themselves supervised?"

Kim also remarked, "The public will no longer be deceived by selectively disclosing information that is favorable while hiding unfavorable context. What people really want to know is the expertise and capability of a nominee who will lead a new criminal justice system."

Kim Seungwon, a Democratic Party lawmaker nominated as Minister of Justice, is attending the Legislative and Judiciary Committee's Bill Review Subcommittee 1 meeting at the National Assembly on the 31st of last month. Photo by Kim Hyunmin

Jo Gyewon, another party spokesperson, criticized lawmaker Han’s claim of a “special relationship” between Kim, a broker surnamed Yang, and Judge Jeong, who was in charge of issuing warrants, stating in a written briefing, "Before probing into the relationships of others, he should first clarify his own ties with Kim Keonhee before the public."

He continued, "How can someone who refused to unlock his own phone—protecting it with a password over 20 digits long to prevent investigators from accessing it during his own probe—claim any moral authority to speak on such matters? And when will he respond to the public’s calls to reveal the full truth behind the insurrection?"

Addressing lawmaker Han directly, the Democratic Party demanded an explanation regarding the source of the recorded phone conversation between Kim and the broker involved in the clinical trial approval issue. Lawmaker Kim Donga wrote on Facebook, "The disclosure of an audio recording of unknown origin and the leaking of confidential investigation details could constitute violations such as official secrets leakage, defamation through disclosure of false information, and public disclosure of facts concerning suspects. We are collecting and analyzing evidence, and will respond swiftly."

Jeon Yonggi, a Supreme Council member, also stated on Facebook, "How exactly was the recorded call between Kim and Yang obtained? Unless it was provided by one of the parties involved or investigative authorities, it appears to be internal material not easily accessible."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.