Police reopen probe into justice minister nominee's alleged illegal lobbying
Police on Tuesday reopened an investigation into allegations Justice Minister nominee Kim Seung-won illegally lobbied for a COVID-19 treatment in 2021, sources said. Kim, a two-term lawmaker who was tapped by President Lee Jae Myung late last month, has faced mounting pressure following allegations that he asked the then food and drug safety minister to speed up the treatment's clinical trial…
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, faced mounting pressure after being accused of requesting the then food and drug safety minister to expedite the clinical trial approval of a COVID-19 treatment at the behest of a broker.
The initial probe concluded in 2024 with prosecutors deciding not to issue a formal indictment due to insufficient evidence to prove the solicitation was unlawful. However, Ko Beom-seok, head of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, revealed on the previous day that the case could be re-examined following a criminal complaint filed by a civic group last week.
The case was subsequently assigned to Seoul's Yeongdeungpo Police Station on Tuesday, as per sources. The police station aims to question the accusers following a legal review. Kim maintains his innocence, stating he made no illegal requests to the then minister.
Written by urgent.news from The Korea Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
This story
This is one outlet's version. Read the fullest account.
