김승원, 식약처장에 문자 “좀 빠르게 처리”…민주 “정치 공세·검찰 흠집내기”

Candidate Kim Seong-won's allegation that a COVID-19 treatment drug's clinical trial approval was expedited through a "favor" from a contact has recently resurfaced as the House Committee on Civil Service examines his nomination as Ministry of Justice chief. The prosecution has decided not to press charges, citing potential legal flaws in the favor's legitimacy, but the opposition parties are intensifying their attacks.

Kim reportedly sent a message to former Food and Drug Safety Commissioner Kim Gang-rup, asking him to expedite the approval process. The prosecution's conclusion states that no direct financial exchange occurred between Kim and the drug company, and the favor's illegality remains questionable. Following the announcement, opposition lawmakers seized the opportunity to criticize the candidate, with some calling for an end to the "political blitz."