Kim Seung-won Petition Alleging Additional 'Sexual Harassment and Drunk Driving' Delivered to Presidential Office; "Difficult to Confirm," Says Cheong Wa Dae (Comprehensive)

The lawmaker's office: "Incorrect or exaggerated rumors"

"Malicious AI-generated images circulating online"

"Will thoroughly investigate and take strong legal action"

The Office of the President commented that it is "difficult to confirm personnel matters" in response to a recent media report that a petition detailing allegations of sexual harassment against former Minister of Justice nominee Kim Seungwon had been delivered to the presidential office.

Kim Seungwon, the nominee for Minister of Justice, is leaving the National Assembly Communication Office after finishing his resignation press conference on September 19, 2026. Photo by Yonhap News

A presidential office official conveyed this position to the media on September 19, 2026. On the same day, KBS reported that former aides of Kim had submitted a petition on September 17 to Hong Ikpyo, Senior Presidential Secretary for Political Affairs, and others, outlining past allegations of sexual harassment involving Kim, attempts to cover up the incident, an additional drunk driving offense, and further allegations of improper solicitation.

Earlier that morning, Kim held an emergency press conference and resigned, stating that he "failed to meet the public's expectations." He cited his intention that he "should not impose an additional burden, however minor, on the government that must carry out reform" as the reason for his resignation. However, additional allegations against Kim have since emerged within political circles.

Following the reports, Kim Seungwon's parliamentary office released a statement saying, "Rumors about the petition are either not true or are exaggerated or mistaken," adding, "We have not been contacted by the presidential office regarding the petition, nor are we aware of its submission."

The office further stated, "An aide who worked at the time clarified that the rumors about the candidate's resignation background are not true," and added, "We will carefully review the facts regarding how the report originated and its details, and will take any necessary measures."

The office also addressed an online image circulating that purportedly shows Kim with a broker allegedly involved in soliciting approval for clinical drug trials, stating, "Currently, malicious AI-generated composites and false or manipulated information related to Assemblyman Kim are being spread online. We will track down the original distributors and take strong legal action."

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