Justice Minister Nominee Kim Seung-won Apologizes as Confirmation Hearing Opens
South Korean justice minister nominee Kim Seung-won apologized for causing public concern as lawmakers began examining influence-peddling, family employment and hiring allegations. Kim said he would explain claims he considers inaccurate and pledged to carry prosecution reforms into practice if appointed.
SEOUL — South Korean justice minister nominee Kim Seung-won apologized Tuesday for causing public concern as his National Assembly confirmation hearing opened under scrutiny over several allegations involving his past conduct and family affairs.
Kim made the apology in his opening statement to the Assembly’s Legislation and Judiciary Committee. He said the preparation process had prompted him to look back on his career and shortcomings, and he promised to answer lawmakers’ questions fully while explaining parts of the allegations that he says do not match the facts.
The hearing places a politically sensitive Cabinet appointment before lawmakers at a time when the government is seeking to implement a restructuring of the criminal justice system. Kim, a lawmaker who has served as a judge and attorney, played a leading role in legislation passed by the ruling camp to separate investigative and prosecutorial functions. He told the committee that, if given the opportunity to serve as minister, he would work to complete the reform in practice.
Among the allegations facing Kim is a claim that he exerted improper influence on the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety in connection with approval for a clinical trial of a COVID-19 treatment in 2021 after receiving a request from a broker. Other questions concern the unlicensed operation of an educational facility where his spouse worked, the hiring of family members there, alleged preferential recruitment of an acquaintance judge’s son as a legislative assistant, and an allegation involving a false residential registration for a minor child.
Kim has disputed the accusations and said he would provide detailed explanations during the hearing. The claims remain allegations, and the hearing is intended to test both their factual basis and his fitness to lead the Justice Ministry.
In presenting his record, Kim highlighted work that he said was aimed at improving legal protection for people at risk of being overlooked. He cited legislation establishing the Suwon Bankruptcy Court to shorten personal-bankruptcy processing times that had taken more than twice as long as in Seoul. He also pointed to his calls for relief for individual investors, partner companies and workers affected by the MBK Partners and Homeplus crisis, saying the number of potential victims could reach 100,000.
Kim framed his policy priorities around protecting citizens’ safety and rights and said he would listen to both the public and the National Assembly. The committee’s examination will determine how lawmakers assess those pledges against the unresolved questions surrounding his nomination.