Police reopen probe into justice minister nominee's alleged illegal lobbying

Police have reopened an investigation into allegations that Justice Minister nominee Kim Seung-won engaged in illegal lobbying in 2021, according to sources. Kim, a two-term lawmaker appointed by President Lee Jae Myung, is accused of requesting that the former food and drug safety minister expedite a COVID-19 treatment's clinical trial approval at the behest of a broker.

The initial probe concluded in 2024 with prosecutors declining to issue a formal indictment, stating they could not confirm the solicitation was unlawful. Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency head Ko Beom-seok stated the case could be reinvestigated following a recent criminal complaint filed by a civic group. The case was recently reassigned to Seoul's Yeongdeungpo Police Station, where police are expected to question the accusers after conducting a legal review. The nominee has denied any wrongdoing, asserting he made no illegal requests to the then minister.