Kim Seung-won on Hiring Son of Judge Who Rejected GENENCELL Warrant Request: "The Interview Was Open, and I Have Nothing to Hide"

[Financial News] Kim Seung-won, nominee for Minister of Justice, explained that the hiring of the son of a judge mentioned in allegations involving a request for favors over a clinical trial for a COVID-19 treatment was conducted through an open process. He also reiterated his previous position that, regarding the pharmaceutical company’s clinical trial, he had conveyed a complaint seeking to address unfairness rather than requesting preferential treatment.
On the 11th, as he arrived at his office preparing for the confirmation hearing in Jongno-gu, Seoul, Kim told reporters who asked why he had hired the son of Jeong In-jae, a presiding judge at the Seoul Central District Court, as a legislative aide in his National Assembly office, "I assigned him the job of legislative aide through an open interview because I have nothing to hide."
Judge Jeong is mentioned in the investigation related to allegations that Kim sought a favor over approval of a clinical trial for a COVID-19 treatment.
Kim explained, "I understand that a legislative aide is not a regular employee but assists with National Assembly work," adding, "As I recall, he worked hard and went through difficulties while receiving only about 1 million won a month."
He also noted that information about the hiring was publicly available and emphasized, "If I had something to hide, would all of this be public information?" He added that he understood the aide enlisted in the military after completing his work.
The confirmation hearing preparation team also issued a notice the previous day, explaining, "When the candidate and Judge Jeong met, Judge Jeong asked whether there was a program through which his son could gain experience in legislative activities at the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea, so we explained the relevant program." It added, "He contacted the candidate’s office in mid-2024 to apply, and after interviews with aides and others, he was registered as a legislative aide because we determined that he could help with research assistance and other duties."
Kim again denied allegations that he improperly solicited the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety regarding approval of GENENCELL’s clinical trial for a COVID-19 treatment.
Kim said, "It was a message conveying that a small company’s process was not moving forward because of some pressure from a multinational corporation, asking them to find out why and help resolve that unfairness."
Kim explained that he had confirmed materials showing that clinical trials for the treatment were also being conducted overseas at the time. He said he believed it was appropriate to convey the complaint because both the ruling and opposition parties and the government were working to develop treatments amid the COVID-19 situation.
He said, "I conveyed it to the head of the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety exactly once, and exchanged one or two related text messages. That was all." He added, "I judged that this was something that could sufficiently be conveyed as a grievance complaint."
However, he did not provide a substantive answer when asked whether an official job posting had been made when the legislative aide was hired or about an additional recording allegedly suggesting that Mr. Yang, a broker, had connected Judge Jeong with him.
Regarding the series of controversies surrounding him, Kim said, "As a politician, I am truly sorry for causing concern among the public." He added, "I will be sure to explain the details clearly at the confirmation hearing."
The National Assembly of the Republic of Korea’s confirmation hearing for Kim is scheduled for the 15th.
 
[email protected] Choi Eun-sol Reporter