Police Launch Investigation into Justice Minister Nominee's Alleged Illegal Lobbying
[Politics] : Police have launched an investigation into allegations that Justice Minister nominee Kim Seung-won solicited state approval for a clinical trial of a COVID-19 treatment drug in 2021. Investigators at the Seoul Yeongdeungpo Police Station on Friday will question Lee Jong-bae, a former Seoul Metropolitan ... [more...]
Justice Minister nominee Kim Seung-won made an apology on Friday for the concern his alleged involvement in illegal lobbying for a new drug had caused the public. Despite his admission, Kim maintained his innocence and stated that he would provide a detailed explanation during his parliamentary confirmation hearing. As a two-term lawmaker from the ruling Democratic Party, Kim expressed sincere regret for the worry he had induced in the public.
He confronted accusations that he engaged in illegal lobbying of the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety in 2021 to secure approval for a COVID-19 treatment. The alleged lobbying occurred at the request of a broker, according to Kim. Kim described his actions as a public interest petition, stating that he sought to address the stalled clinical trial procedures of a small company due to pressure from a multinational corporation.
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.
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