# Allegations of corruption against Justice Minister nominee > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/south-korean-political-corruption-allegations-against-kim > Updated: 2026-09-11T08:40:00.000Z. Sources: 25. Developments: 8. The confirmation process for Justice Minister nominee Kim Seung-won has intensified as allegations regarding his professional conduct and family finances undergo scrutiny. While Kim maintains that his interactions with the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety regarding 2021 COVID-19 clinical trials were legitimate, independent lawmaker Han Dong-hoon has released documents suggesting a “lobbying gate.” New developments have escalated the legal pressure on Kim. The Seoul Yeongdeungpo Police Station has launched a formal investigation into allegations that Kim violated the Improper Solicitation and Graft Act, abused his authority, and neglected his duties. This probe follows complaints by former Seoul City Council member Lee Jong-bae and the Seomin Minsaeng Committee. Lee alleges Kim pressured the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety to approve a COVID-19 treatment clinical trial for Genencell despite insufficient documentation. The Seomin Minsaeng Committee has further alleged violations of the Political Fund Act, suggesting donations were promised in exchange for solicitation. Kim has denied these claims, asserting he was merely conveying a “civil complaint” to address unfairness faced by a small company. He also defended his hiring of a judge’s son as a legislative assistant, stating the process involved a public interview. Political pressure is also mounting. People Power Party floor leader Jung Jeom-sik has called for a parliamentary investigation and a special prosecutor, characterizing the situation as a “gate” involving lobbying and stock price manipulation. Jung specifically linked the allegations to KH Group and its connections to former Ssangbangwool chairman Kim Seong-tae. Jung warned that the nominee, intended to be a specialized minister to clear wrongdoing, has instead become a “landmine” for the administration. Kim’s parliamentary confirmation hearing is scheduled for the 15th. ## Claims - Kim's team maintains that his meeting with the broker and a judge was a chance encounter at a private gathering. (disputed by 5 sources) - Kim Seung-won's claim that he met the broker by chance in February 2022 is a lie. (disputed by 3 sources) - Kim Seung-won denied making illegal solicitations to the food and drug ministry regarding COVID-19 treatment clinical trials. (corroborated by 8 sources) - The National Assembly Legislation and Judiciary Committee scheduled Kim Seung-won's confirmation hearing for the 15th. (corroborated by 8 sources) - A 2021 recording features the broker claiming Kim Seung-won was the one to resolve licensing issues. (corroborated by 7 sources) - The prosecution previously issued a suspension of indictment, noting that while facts were recognized, the solicitation was not clearly illegal and no bribes were received. (corroborated by 7 sources) - Han Dong-hoon alleged that Kim's past suspension of indictment was the result of political pressure and called for Kim to testify at the hearing. (corroborated by 6 sources) - In February 2022, Kim Seung-won told the broker Yang that he missed her so much he was crying. (corroborated by 4 sources) - During a second call in February 2022, the broker told Kim she was bringing a large amount of 'items' to him. (corroborated by 4 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-11: South Korea's Food and Drug Safety Minister denies Genencell lobbying allegations South Korea's Food and Drug Safety Minister denied allegations that Genencell received preferential treatment for its COVID-19 treatment approval during lobbying efforts involving Justice Minister nominee Kim 승 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/south-koreas-food-and-drug-safety-minister-denies-genencell-lobbying-allegations ### 2026-09-11: Jung Jeom-sik calls for special probe into Kim Seung-won allegations People Power Party leader Jung Jeom-sik called for a special prosecutor into Justice Minister nominee Kim Seung-won, alleging a corruption gate involving lobbying and stock manipulation. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/jung-jeom-sik-calls-for-special-probe-into-kim-seung-won-allegations ### 2026-09-09: Kim Seung-won faces police probe over clinical trial solicitation allegations South Korean police are investigating Justice Minister nominee Kim Seung-won over allegations of soliciting clinical trial approvals for Genencell, which Kim denies, calling it an effort to resolve unfairness. 10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/kim-seung-won-faces-police-probe-over-clinical-trial-solicitation-allegations ### 2026-09-07: Kim Seung-won denies illegal COVID-19 drug lobbying allegations Justice Minister nominee Kim Seung-won denies illegal COVID-19 drug lobbying allegations amid calls for a special prosecutor and intense scrutiny over his ties to a broker and family employment practices. 16 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/kim-seung-won-denies-solicitation-allegations-calls-for-han-dong-hoon-as-witness ### 2026-09-07: Kim Eui-gyeom defends Justice Minister nominee Kim Seung-won Lawmaker Kim Eui-gyeom defended Justice Minister nominee Kim Seung-won, accusing Han Dong-hoon of distorting investigation records for political purposes. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/kim-eui-gyeom-defends-justice-minister-nominee-kim-seung-won ### 2026-09-06: Kim Seung-won and Yong Hye-in face scrutiny amid cabinet nomination controversies Cabinet nominees Kim Seung-won and Yong Hye-in face heavy public opposition and intense political scrutiny in South Korea over allegations of improper influence and controversial dual roles. 18 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/kim-seung-won-faces-mounting-allegations-amid-ministerial-nomination ### 2026-09-05: Kim Seung-won faces lobbying allegations amid Justice Minister nomination Justice Minister nominee Kim Seung-won faces allegations of improper clinical trial lobbying, as Han Dong-hoon releases recordings disputing Kim's claims of a chance encounter with a broker. 15 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/han-dong-hoon-releases-transcripts-disputing-kim-seung-wons-claims ### 2026-09-02: Han Dong-hoon challenges Kim Seung-won over corruption allegations Lawmaker Han Dong-hoon has challenged Justice Minister nominee Kim Seung-won over lobbying and slush fund allegations, while also calling for a shift toward a “winning party” strategy for conservatives. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/han-dong-hoon-challenges-kim-seung-won-over-corruption-allegations --- Cite as: Allegations of corruption against Justice Minister nominee. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/south-korean-political-corruption-allegations-against-kim