{
  "id": 6203948,
  "title": "Police reopen probe into justice minister nominee's alleged illegal lobbying",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/08/police-reopen-probe-into-justice-minister-nominees-alleged-illegal",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-08T01:04:14.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yonhap News",
    "slug": "yonhap-news",
    "url": "https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20260908002100315"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "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.",
  "summary": "SEOUL, Sept. 8 (Yonhap) -- Police on Tuesday reopened an investigation into alle...",
  "key_points": [
    "Police reopen probe into Kim Seung-won's alleged illegal lobbying in 2021.",
    "Kim, appointed by President Lee Jae Myung, accused of requesting expedited clinical trial approval.",
    "Case reassigned to Seoul's Yeongdeungpo Police Station for further investigation."
  ],
  "editors_take": "The police reinvestigation into Justice Minister nominee Kim Seung-won's alleged illegal lobbying raises questions about his potential liability and the nominee's fitness for office.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The Korea Times",
        "title": "Police reopen probe into justice minister nominee's alleged illegal lobbying",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/08/police-reopen-probe-into-justice-minister-nominees-alleged-illegal-6208687",
        "published": "2026-09-08T01:42:03.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}