Kim Seung-won faces intense scrutiny during Justice Minister confirmation hearing

Kim Seung-won Minister of Justice nominee confirmation hearing clinical trial lobbying family cooperative controversy

Kim Seung-won, the nominee for Minister of Justice, faced a contentious confirmation hearing marked by intense clashes between ruling and opposition parties. Key controversies included allegations of preferential treatment regarding a social cooperative where his family members are employed, and suspicions of lobbying for the approval of a Genencell COVID-19 treatment clinical trial.

During the hearing, Kim became emotional while defending his family's work at the Korea Child Development Social Cooperative, stating it was not for personal profit. He also challenged the source of internal prosecution documents released by Han Dong-hoon, claiming he was unable to access his own investigation records.

Opposition members from the People Power Party criticized the nominee as unfit, comparing the potential appointment to the 'Cho Kuk scandal' and warning of public backlash. Meanwhile, a broker involved in the Genencell clinical trial case appeared in court on the same day as the hearing, facing bribery charges related to promising political donations to facilitate trial approvals.

Entities

Democratic Party of Korea · Genencell · Han Dong-hoon · Joo Jin-woo · Kim Seung-won · Korea Child Development Social Cooperative · Ministry of Justice · National Assembly · National Assembly Legislation and Judiciary Committee · People Power Party

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 3 SOURCES] Kim Seung-won questioned how internal prosecution documents were leaked to Han Dong-hoon. www.hidomin.com
[● 3 SOURCES] Kim Seung-won claimed he only inquired about the delay in the clinical trial approval process, not the performance of a drug. www.hidomin.com
[● 6 SOURCES] Kim Seung-won denied that the social cooperative where his family works was established for personal profit. www.hidomin.com
[● 2 SOURCES] The People Power Party accused Kim Seung-won of being unfit for the position of Minister of Justice. www.mbn.co.kr · www.sportalkorea.com
[● 2 SOURCES] The People Power Party alleged that Kim's family received 330 million won in salaries from the cooperative over four years. www.hidomin.com
[● 3 SOURCES] Kim Seung-won stated he only made one phone call regarding the clinical trial delay. www.hidomin.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] A broker was accused of promising 5 million won in political donations to Kim Seung-won to facilitate clinical trial approval. www.seoul.co.kr
[● 2 SOURCES] Kim Seung-won claimed he was unable to obtain his own investigation records from the prosecution. www.hidomin.com