Justice Minister Nominee Kim Seung-won, One Day Before Confirmation Hearing: "I Will Explain Everything Tomorrow"

[Financial News] Kim Seung-won, nominee for Minister of Justice, who faces several allegations, including allegedly soliciting approval for a new-drug clinical trial, said one day before his confirmation hearing, "I will explain everything in detail to the people at the hearing."
Kim arrived at the confirmation hearing preparation team’s office at the Jeokseon Hyundai Building in Jongno District, Seoul, at around 8 a.m. on the 14th and made the remarks.
Kim said, "I hope that all of my experiences over the past 30 years as a legal professional—including trials, legal representation and serving as a police human rights commissioner—will be put to valuable use in establishing the new criminal justice system," adding, "Today, I will do my best to prepare for the hearing."
When reporters asked about allegations that he solicited approval for GENENCELL’s new-drug clinical trial and the police’s launch of a related investigation, he avoided a direct answer, saying, "I will explain everything tomorrow." He also did not answer when asked whether he had ever considered resigning in connection with Yong Hye-in’s announcement that she would resign as nominee for Minister of Gender Equality and Family.
As Kim arrived at work, a YouTuber opposing his appointment approached him and demanded that he state his position.
Kim faces allegations that in 2021, at the request of a broker surnamed Yang, he solicited the Minister of Food and Drug Safety to approve GENENCELL’s clinical trial for a COVID-19 new drug. He also faces allegations of stock-price manipulation and preferential treatment involving labor costs paid to family members. Kim’s side maintains that its contact regarding the clinical trial was a "public-interest civil complaint."
The National Assembly’s confirmation hearing for Kim will be held on the 15th.
 
[email protected] Choi Eun-sol Reporter