Opposition Highlights Additional Allegations Against Kim Seungwon: "Not a Voluntary Resignation, But an Escape"

Conservative Opposition Demands Further Investigation and Kim Seungwon's Resignation from National Assembly
Jang Donghyuk Criticizes, "It Seems the Kim Seungwon Bomb Is About to Go Off Again"

On September 19, the conservative opposition, including the People Power Party, escalated its attacks by raising additional allegations against Kim Seungwon, the former nominee for Minister of Justice. Previously, they insisted that an investigation into the related suspicions was necessary even after Kim voluntarily withdrew his nomination. On this day, they went further, labeling his action as an "escape" rather than a voluntary resignation, and called for his resignation from the National Assembly as well.

On the 19th, Kim Seungwon, nominee for Minister of Justice, is leaving the National Assembly communication center after holding a resignation press conference. Photo by Yonhap News.

Jang Donghyuk, leader of the People Power Party, mentioned in his Facebook post that a petition containing additional allegations against Kim had been submitted to the Office of the President on the 17th, citing media reports. He commented, "It seems the Kim Seungwon bomb is about to go off again." Jang then criticized Kim by listing further allegations such as additional incidents of drunk driving, verbal abuse and coercion toward aides, solicitation, accounting fraud, and sexual harassment.

Jang also referred to the Democratic Party leader Minseok Kim's previous assessment of Kim Seungwon as a "good appointment the more you see him." He added, "At this point, shouldn't you be removing even those responsible for personnel at the presidential office?" taking aim at the presidential secretary Hyunji Kim.

Kim Taegyu, chief spokesperson for the parliamentary group, also commented that "the petition was submitted to the Office of the President on the 17th, but the president was still weighing the appointment up until the 18th," demanding apologies from both the Democratic Party and the presidential office. He also mentioned that during Kim’s confirmation hearing, some Democratic Party lawmakers were seen in tears and questioned, "When aides recorded allegations of sexual harassment, did the Democratic Party just cry and do nothing?"

Assemblywoman Na Kyungwon wrote on her Facebook page, describing the "endless string of corruption and criminal accusations," and asked, "Was Kim Seungwon's resignation an attempt to avoid further crimes being revealed?" She continued, "This is not a matter that can be covered up by the withdrawal of a ministerial nominee," demanding both the resignation from the Assembly and a full investigation.

Independent lawmaker Han Donghoon also criticized the allegations at a press conference at the National Assembly, calling them "ugly issues." Han explained he had received indirect reports on issues such as drinking, sexual misconduct, and abuse of power, and had been verifying them. He argued that the Democratic Party must file an official complaint directly.

The conservative opposition continued to argue that investigations into the related allegations must proceed regardless of Kim's resignation as nominee. In addition, they put pressure on President Lee Jaemyung, urging him to abandon the so-called "prosecution withdrawal."

Seungwon Kim, nominee for Minister of Justice. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

Floor leader Jeong Jeomsik stated on Facebook, "It is overdue that Kim Seungwon, the frontman for President Lee Jaemyung's prosecution withdrawal, has finally resigned," and insisted that investigations into Kim's alleged involvement in stock price manipulation should continue. He emphasized, "Unless President Lee Jaemyung gives up on making the withdrawal of prosecution his top national policy goal, changing his frontman is meaningless," demanding that the president abandon the prosecution withdrawal policy.

Chief spokesperson Park Sunghoon commented, "Resignation is not a form of exoneration," referring to various allegations raised during the confirmation process. He argued that actions such as disciplinary measures and dismissals are required for those responsible for the vetting process, in light of the current personnel controversy.

Lee Kiin, emergency committee chair of the Reform New Party, also commented on Facebook, "If we continue to appoint puppets for 'erasing trials,' a second or third Kim Seungwon crisis will occur," and argued, "What the president needs to change is not the nominee’s name, but the reason for the nomination."

On this day, Kim abruptly announced his voluntary resignation from the nomination. At his press conference, he stated, "After much deliberation, I have decided to step down as the nominee for Minister of Justice," and added, "I sincerely accept that I failed to meet public expectations and will deeply reflect on my shortcomings." Nevertheless, he described the prosecution's investigation against him as a "targeted investigation," and promised to clarify the full story of the case, including allegations of illegal disclosure of investigation details by Assemblyman Han.

Having served as a co-representative of the Democratic Party lawmakers’ group for prosecution withdrawal, Kim was identified as the lead candidate for elimination from the beginning by the conservative opposition, who claimed his nomination was intended to facilitate President Lee’s withdrawal of prosecution in ongoing cases. Subsequently, allegations including bribery in clinical trials for new drugs and various controversies involving his family broadened criticism, and even progressive factions voiced opposition. President Lee expressed caution regarding Kim’s appointment the previous day, leading to Kim’s withdrawal from candidacy on this day.

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