Kim Seungwon Refutes Ju Jinwoo's Claim: "Not True That Family Wages Rose 30% for Two Consecutive Years"

Ju Jinwoo Alleges "Family Wages Increased by 30% for Two Consecutive Years"
Kim Responds, "Adjustments Made Due to Increased Responsibilities... Approved by Cooperative Members"

The team for Kim Seungwon, the nominee for Minister of Justice, refuted the allegation that his spouse and children received a 30% wage increase for two consecutive years at the social cooperative where they work, calling it "distorted and inconsistent with the facts."

Kim Seungwon, nominee for Minister of Justice, is answering reporters' questions regarding various allegations as he arrives at the hearing preparation office set up at Jeokseon Hyundai Building in Jongno-gu, Seoul on September 7, 2026. Photo by Jo Yongjun

On September 9, Kim's confirmation hearing preparation team announced to the press, "Korea Child Development Social Cooperative is not a 'family cooperative' run at the discretion of the nominee's family members, but rather a nonprofit social cooperative jointly operated by families of individuals with developmental disabilities." The statement clarified, "Employee salaries are also determined according to internal standards and through discussions among cooperative members."

Previously, Assemblyman Ju Jinwoo of the People Power Party raised suspicions of a "family salary feast," claiming that the salaries of Kim’s spouse and children increased significantly even as the cooperative’s net income declined. He also pointed out that the cooperative moved to Suwon, Kim’s constituency, and, after being designated as a provider of services for those with developmental disabilities, generated government voucher income as a result.

The preparation team argued that these claims were based on a simplistic year-on-year comparison of total annual salaries, without consideration for differences in family members’ work periods or changes in their work responsibilities.

According to the team, Kim's spouse’s monthly salary increased from KRW 3.82 million in 2024, to KRW 4.39 million last year, and to KRW 5.16 million this year, with an average annual increase of about 16%. The team explained that this was due to an increase in work responsibilities.

The eldest son’s monthly pay rose from KRW 2.66 million in 2024, to KRW 2.89 million last year (an 8.7% increase), and to KRW 3.71 million this year (a 28% increase). The preparation team explained, "This was not just for simple caregiving work—the eldest son also took on homeroom teacher duties for students."

The younger daughter, who works part-time, received KRW 1.2 million in 2024, KRW 1.8 million last year, and KRW 4.78 million this year. The team noted that the family's salary growth rate was similar to that of other employees at the facility, and that the salaries were determined through discussions and approval by cooperative members, including parents of children with developmental disabilities.

The team also stated that "the nominee’s family members have handled meal preparations, vehicle operations, center management, occupational therapy and caregiving, after-school classes, and weekend programs." They added, "Criticizing the nominee’s family for raising their wages by 30% for two consecutive years without considering their employment periods and reasons for salary increases is an unfounded claim."

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