Kim Seung-won faces police probe over clinical trial solicitation allegations

Kim Seung-won Genencell clinical trial solicitation Ministry of Justice nominee MFDS

Police in Seoul have launched a formal investigation into Kim Seung-won, the nominee for Minister of Justice, regarding allegations of soliciting approval for Genencell's COVID-19 clinical trials. The investigation, led by the Seoul Yeongdeungpo Police Station, follows complaints from former Seoul City Councilor Lee Jong-bae and the Seomin Minsaeng Committee.

Lee alleges that in 2021, Kim pressured the former Minister of Food and Drug Safety to approve Genencell's clinical trials despite concerns over insufficient documentation. The Seomin Minsaeng Committee has also filed complaints alleging violations of the Political Fund Act and abuse of power, suggesting that donations were promised in exchange for the solicitation.

Kim Seung-won has denied all allegations. He maintains that his communication with the MFDS was intended to address unfairness and procedural delays faced by a small company due to pressure from multinational corporations. Additionally, Kim defended his hiring of a judge's son as a legislative assistant, stating the process was conducted through a public interview.

The controversy has also involved Han Dong-hoon, who released recordings and prosecution indictment plans related to the case. This has led to further scrutiny regarding the legality of how these internal prosecution documents were obtained and leaked.

Entities

Genencell · Han Dong-hoon · Kim Seung-won · Ministry of Food and Drug Safety · Ministry of Justice · Seoul Yeongdeungpo Police Station

Claims

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

[● 3 SOURCES] Kim Seung-won claims his communication with the MFDS was intended to address unfairness faced by a small company due to pressure from multinational corporations. www.jnilbo.com · www.kyeonggi.com · www.seoul.co.kr
[○ 1 SOURCE] Kim Seung-won denied allegations of preferential treatment regarding the hiring of a judge's son as a legislative assistant, claiming it was done through a public interview. www.kyeonggi.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] Kim Seung-won outlined his vision for the Ministry of Justice, focusing on democracy, safety, and public livelihood. www.mbn.co.kr
[○ 1 SOURCE] The acting Minister of Justice reported that internal prosecution documents were likely leaked to the public. www.ilyo.co.kr
[● 2 SOURCES] The Seomin Minsaeng Committee filed complaints alleging political fund law violations and that donations were promised in exchange for clinical trial solicitation. www.jnilbo.com · www.seoul.co.kr
[● 3 SOURCES] Han Dong-hoon released recordings and prosecution indictment plans related to the clinical trial solicitation allegations. www.sisajournal.com · www.ilyo.co.kr · www.sisain.co.kr
[● 2 SOURCES] The Seoul Yeongdeungpo Police Station has launched an investigation into allegations of violation of the Improper Solicitation and Graft Act and abuse of power. www.jnilbo.com · www.seoul.co.kr
[● 2 SOURCES] Kim Seung-won requested the approval of Genencell's COVID-19 treatment clinical trials from the former Minister of Food and Drug Safety. www.jnilbo.com · www.seoul.co.kr
[● 2 SOURCES] Former Seoul City Councilor Lee Jong-bae alleges Kim Seung-won pressured the former MFDS Minister to approve Genencell's COVID-19 clinical trials. www.jnilbo.com · www.seoul.co.kr