Justice Minister nominee Kim Seung-won said on the 15th that he would "establish an accountable criminal justice system that the public can trust and rely on," speaking at a confirmation hearing at the National Assembly. Addressing a range of allegations raised during the vetting process, including claims of lobbying over a new drug, he said he was "sorry for causing public concern."
In opening remarks ahead of the hearing held by the National Assembly's Legislation and Judiciary Committee, Kim said, "If given the opportunity to serve as minister, I will complete in the field the reforms prepared through legislation."
"South Korea is on the verge of its first overhaul of the criminal justice system in 70 years," Kim said. "I will make the safety and protection of the public's rights the standard for policy, listen to the voices of the public and the National Assembly, and find answers in the field."
On the restructuring of the justice system, including the removal of prosecutors' investigative powers, Kim said, "I will prepare the organization, personnel and budget of the Public Prosecution Office, a new indictment-only body to be created separately from the current Prosecution Service, without gaps, and reflect the purpose of separating investigation from indictment in its structure and operations." He added, "I will ensure that the public prosecution office fulfills its responsibility for indictment and the maintenance of prosecution while protecting human rights." He went on to stress, "Reform does not end with the launch of an organization. If case handling is delayed and grievances go unresolved, the public will not feel the reform. I will prevent unlawful and negligent investigations and resolve processing delays."
"I will protect the public from crime and help victims recover their daily lives," he continued. "I will respond sternly to violent crime and act on relationship-based crimes such as stalking before they lead to greater harm. I will also build a thorough system to prevent repeat offenses."
Kim also pledged, "I will protect the socially vulnerable and ensure that anyone can receive the help of the law," adding, "I will support people's livelihoods and the economy, regional growth and social integration."
"I will conduct justice administration that is stern toward power and capital and dependable for victims and the socially vulnerable," he said. "When people face hardship, they must be able to lean on the law and get back on their feet. I will make the law that kind of trust and support."
Regarding the various allegations raised during the vetting period, Kim said, "While preparing for the hearing, I looked back on the path I have walked and my shortcomings. I am sorry for causing public concern over allegations related to me." He added, "I will answer the committee members' questions faithfully and explain in detail the parts that differ from the facts."
Kim has faced allegations that he lobbied the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety over clinical trials involving Genencell at the request of a broker surnamed Yang, a close acquaintance. Other allegations have surfaced, including a dispute over preferential treatment for a social cooperative where his spouse works, and controversy over his defense of a client accused of sexual assault during his time as a lawyer. Past drunk driving and the false registration of a minor child's residence have also come to light. The People Power Party requested 44 witnesses to examine these allegations, but the Democratic Party of Korea did not agree to a single one.
