Ruling Party "Respects Decision" on Kim Seungwon's Resignation... Opposition: "Resignation Is No Absolution, Investigation Must Continue"

Democratic Party: "Come to the Judiciary Committee and Uncover Han Donghoon’s Crimes"


Han Donghoon: "Despite Lee Jaemyung and the Democratic Party’s Relentless Defense, the People Have Prevailed"

On September 19, the Democratic Party of Korea and the People Power Party expressed contrasting reactions to Seungwon Kim, candidate for Minister of Justice, voluntarily withdrawing his nomination. The Democratic Party stated that it respects Kim's decision, describing it as an effort to lessen the burden on state affairs. In contrast, the People Power Party argued that stepping down does not absolve him from the related allegations and called for further investigation.

Park Sungjoon, chief spokesperson for the Democratic Party, said in a written briefing that he "respects the difficult decision" regarding Kim's resignation, and added, "It was the candidate's own decision, recognizing that he should not add to the administrative burden." He also stated, "We will listen with even more humility, focusing on the success of a government that upholds popular sovereignty."

Kim Seungwon, Minister of Justice nominee, is attending the "Legislation and Judiciary Committee, Ministry of Justice Minister Confirmation Hearing" held at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul on September 15, 2026, responding to lawmakers' questions. Photo by Kang Jinhyung

Seo Youngkyo, chair of the National Assembly’s Legislation and Judiciary Committee, argued that the prosecution's investigation into Kim was a "fabricated and targeted investigation," and pledged to continue efforts for truth-finding and prosecutorial reform.

Assemblyman Park Ji-won, a member of the judiciary committee, described Kim’s resignation as “a model act of self-sacrifice to relieve the burden on the president.” He then suggested to independent lawmaker Han Donghoon — who led the allegations regarding allegedly lobbying for new drug clinical trial approval — that Han should return to the committee and clarify the allegations publicly before the people.

In contrast, the People Power Party insisted that Kim’s resignation cannot be used to evade responsibility for the accusations.

Jang Donghyuk, leader of the People Power Party, claimed on Facebook that “it was not a resignation, but rather he was forced to step down.” Referring to suspicions surrounding Kim, including alleged stock price manipulation, he added, “The time for being a minister is over; the time for investigation has begun,” calling on authorities to conduct an investigation.

Floor leader Jeong Jeom-sik also argued that the investigation into the alleged stock price manipulation should proceed regardless of Kim’s resignation. He further criticized President Lee Jaemyung’s suspected attempts to withdraw prosecution in high-profile cases, mentioning both Kim and former Minister of Justice Jeong Seongho’s successive resignations, and called for a complete overhaul of the personnel vetting process.

Park Sung-hoon, chief spokesperson for the People Power Party, said regarding Kim’s resignation, “Resignation is not an absolution,” and demanded a renewed investigation into the various allegations raised during his confirmation hearing.

Independent lawmaker Han Donghoon stated on his Facebook page, “Although Lee Jaemyung’s Democratic Party fiercely defended Kim as being a ‘well-chosen candidate’ against the so-called ‘brother’s poison lobby’ controversy, the people have prevailed,” adding, “We will move forward together while focusing solely on the people.”

On this day, Kim abruptly and voluntarily withdrew from his candidacy. At a press conference regarding his resignation, Kim said, “After much deliberation, I have decided to step down as candidate for Minister of Justice.” He continued, “I sincerely accept that I fell short of public expectations and will deeply reflect on my shortcomings.”

He further described the prosecution’s investigation targeting him as a “targeted investigation,” and stated his intention to reveal the full details of the case, including the alleged illegal disclosure of investigation secrets by Assemblyman Han.

Having previously served as co-representative of the Democratic Party’s legislative group advocating for withdrawal of indictments, Kim had been singled out by the conservative opposition as the top candidate for rejection, with accusations that his nomination was intended to facilitate President Lee’s prosecution withdrawal.

Subsequently, suspicions about lobbying for new drug clinical trial approval and controversies involving his family continued to spread, leading even some progressive circles to voice opposition to his appointment.

The previous day, President Lee presented a cautious view regarding Kim’s nomination, and as a result, Kim ultimately withdrew his candidacy on this day.

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