Kim Seung-won denies new drug lobbying allegations and strikes back at Han Dong-hoon

At his National Assembly confirmation hearing, Justice Minister nominee Kim Seung-won again denied allegations that he sought to lobby for approval of clinical trials (human testing of a drug's efficacy) for GC Cell's COVID-19 treatment, saying it was "nothing more than a request that the process proceed fairly." He then went on the offensive against independent Rep. Han Dong-hoon, who raised the allegations, demanding that he reveal where he obtained the investigative information. Kim explained that his single phone call to the Food and Drug Safety Commissioner on October 12 was all there was.

Regarding the 5 million won in donation money that broker Mr. Yang and GC Cell CEO Mr. Kang attempted to send as a token of gratitude, Kim maintained that since there was no improper solicitation in the first place, no bribery could have taken place. He said that if confirmed as minister, he would first meet the victims of the GC Cell stock manipulation case.

Kim criticized the use of such materials to distort and cherry-pick facts to mislead public opinion, calling it "a great enemy of democracy." He also said the leak of the materials would be subject to an internal audit going forward.

Kim argued that the investigation itself was political prosecution by the prosecution service, and said that as minister he would ensure that investigative powers are exercised fairly.