Kim Seungwon, Minister of Justice Nominee, Loses Brother-in-law Four Days Before Confirmation Hearing

Passed Away on September 11 After Battling Chronic Illness

Kim Seungwon, the nominee for Minister of Justice, is arriving at the hearing preparation office set up at Jeokseon Hyundai Building in Jongno-gu, Seoul, on September 7, 2026. Photo by Cho Yongjun

Kim Seungwon, nominee for Minister of Justice, lost his brother-in-law on September 11, four days before his National Assembly confirmation hearing.

According to the legal community, Kim's brother-in-law had been undergoing treatment for a chronic illness and passed away on this day.

On the morning of September 11, Kim went to the confirmation hearing preparation office located in Jeokseon Hyundai Building, Jongno-gu, Seoul, and then moved to the funeral hall.

The National Assembly's confirmation hearing for Kim is scheduled to take place on September 15.

The National Assembly's Legislation and Judiciary Committee is expected to investigate various allegations surrounding Kim, as well as assess his qualifications as Minister of Justice during the hearing.

Kim faces allegations related to lobbying for approval of a COVID-19 treatment clinical trial and accusations that he hired the son of a judge he knew as a legislative assistant in his parliamentary office.

Speaking on his way to work that morning, Kim said, "I sincerely apologize to the public for causing concern as a public official," but added, "I will explain the details thoroughly at the confirmation hearing."

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