Justice Minister Nominee Kim Seung-won Loses Brother-in-Law Four Days Before Confirmation Hearing

[Financial News] Kim Seung-won, nominee for minister of the Ministry of Justice, suffered the death of his brother-in-law four days before his confirmation hearing at the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea.

On September 11, legal circles reported that Kim’s brother-in-law, who had been receiving treatment for a chronic illness, died that day. Kim went to the confirmation-hearing preparation team’s office at Jeokseon Hyundai Building in Jongno District, Seoul, that morning. After receiving the tragic news, however, he reportedly went to the funeral and remained there.

The National Assembly of the Republic of Korea’s confirmation hearing for Kim is scheduled for September 15. The Legislation and Judiciary Committee is expected to conduct intense scrutiny of allegations that he solicited expedited approval of a clinical trial for a COVID-19 treatment and gave preferential treatment when hiring the son of a judge he knew as a legislative aide in his office.

Kim’s side has said he will provide a full explanation of the facts surrounding the various allegations against him at the hearing.

Speaking to reporters on his way to work that morning, Kim bowed his head and said, "As a politician, I am truly sorry for causing concern by becoming the subject of various controversies in the eyes of the public." He nevertheless expressed his strong determination as a ministerial nominee, saying, "So far, I have worked on various issues, including media reform, prosecution reform and amendments to the Commercial Act to normalize the capital market. If I become minister of the Ministry of Justice with that same mindset, I want to devote myself fully to pursuing reforms for the people."


[email protected] Park Ji-hyun Reporter