National Assembly Holds Confirmation Hearing for Kim Seungwon...Ruling and Opposition Clash Over New Drug Lobbying Allegations

The National Assembly is holding a confirmation hearing for Kim Seungwon, the nominee for Minister of Justice, on September 15, initiating the vetting process for the second cabinet of the Lee Jaemyung administration.

Kim Seungwon, the nominee for Minister of Justice, is answering reporters' questions as he arrives at the confirmation hearing preparation office set up in Jeokseon Hyundai Building, Jongno-gu, Seoul on the 11th. Photo by Yonhap News

The National Assembly Legislation and Judiciary Committee is conducting the confirmation hearing for Kim starting at 10 a.m. that day. Kim, a former judge, previously served as Democratic Party secretary for the Judiciary Committee and has prioritized prosecution reform and restructuring of the criminal justice system as his key goals.

The main point of contention at the hearing is the allegation of solicitation during the approval process for a new drug clinical trial. The People Power Party claims that Kim exercised improper influence by requesting new drug clinical trial approval from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety. The party is also raising concerns over the prosecution’s past decision to suspend indictment against Kim, insisting on the need for a parliamentary investigation and a special counsel.

Independent lawmaker Han Donghoon has been releasing related audio recordings and prosecution investigation materials, intensifying debate over the authenticity and source of these documents. The Democratic Party argues that some of the materials disclosed by Han have been selectively edited, and is raising doubts about their provenance.

The Democratic Party leadership has continued to put forth arguments defending Kim. Democratic Party leader Kim Minseok appeared on the party’s official YouTube channel ‘Minty07’ in the morning, alleging that Han’s attacks constitute "the last attempt at a political prosecution’s revival." Kim also stated there is "not even 1%" chance the current administration will be shaken, emphasizing the need for the government and ruling party to remain focused on state affairs without being swayed by outside pressure.

Democratic Party Floor Leader Han Byungdo also called the attacks against Kim “political offensives” during a morning floor countermeasures meeting. Han stressed that “the true target is not Kim Seungwon as an individual, but criminal justice reform,” highlighting Kim’s practical experience as a former judge and committee secretary responsible for reform legislation.

The Democratic Party maintains that Kim’s request to the head of the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety for expeditious clinical trial review was a public-minded petition. Since no new evidence supporting an accusation of quid pro quo solicitation has emerged, the party contends there is no basis to question Kim's qualifications as a minister nominee.

Kim’s role as co-president of an Assembly group seeking to cancel the prosecution of President Lee Jaemyung is also expected to be a focal point for political conflict. The People Power Party is raising concerns about the political motivations behind his nomination, but the Democratic Party is drawing a line, asserting that Kim has no intention of exercising relevant authority.

With Gender Equality and Family Minister nominee Yong Hyein having voluntarily stepped down, the outcome of Kim’s hearing is expected to influence the broader confirmation process for the second-term cabinet. Both sides are set to clash over the facts surrounding the clinical trial approval controversy, as well as the sources and process of document disclosure throughout the day’s hearing.

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