A broker surnamed Yang, accused of lobbying Justice Minister nominee Kim Seung-won to expedite approval of a new drug's clinical trial, said on the 17th that no illegal solicitation took place.
In a statement released that day, Yang's attorney said, "It is true that we contacted the nominee," but added, "we did not ask him to push for approval in violation of relevant laws and procedures." The attorney also said, "We take seriously that our words and actions, which appeared to flaunt past ties with politicians in our circle, caused concern for the nominee and others," adding, "We are also sorry that the case became a matter of public debate during the ministerial confirmation hearing, causing concern among the public." The attorney stressed that Yang denies portions of the indictment that differ from the facts and will contest the charges in court.
Yang was earlier indicted on charges of asking the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, through Kim, then a member of the National Assembly, to expedite approval of Genencell's clinical trial plan for a COVID-19 treatment. Yang also faces charges of promising Kim 5 million won in political donations.
On the alleged lobbying over the clinical trial approval, Yang's side denied "ever asking for specific data or figures to be concealed." The attorney said the drug safety ministry reviewed whether to grant conditional approval according to established procedures, including requiring supplementary material on 14 items and holding an expert advisory meeting.
Yang's side also cited the absence of any illegal favors in the prosecution's decision not to indict Kim.
The statement referred to the global urgency at the time of securing vaccines and treatments. "We were concerned that treatment development would not be reviewed in time because of administrative delays, or that the technology would leak overseas," Yang's side said. "We asked the nominee to pay attention so that the review of the treatment would proceed quickly."
Regarding the 5 million won in political donations Yang sought to give Kim, the attorney drew a line, saying there was "no prior agreement or definitive promise." As grounds, the attorney noted that no further attempt was made after the transfer failed because it exceeded the donation limit.
Yang's side also rebutted allegations that Genencell purchased convertible bonds issued by Yang's company in return for an introduction to Kim. "Genencell's chief executive, surnamed Kang, sold the entire stake to Sejong Medical a month before the convertible bond purchase agreement was signed," Yang's side said. "Kang was not in a position to control Genencell's decision-making at the time of the contract."
Genencell reviewed the purchase of convertible bonds issued by Gusta Co. based on its own management judgment, and the per-share value was assessed at 20,000 won, lower than the amount initially proposed, the statement said. Yang's side stressed that this was not a nominal transaction designed to provide one-sided benefits.
Yang's side also disclosed the business registration certificate for Yagi, a restaurant Yang previously operated, denying allegations that Yang ran an entertainment establishment. The move directly countered remarks by independent lawmaker Han Dong-hoon and others who referred to Yang as a "room salon madam."
Yang also said on a YouTube broadcast that day, "I committed no criminal act whatsoever involving the nominee."
