Police will review whether they can legally reopen an investigation before assigning complaints filed against Justice Minister nominee Kim Seung-won over allegations that he lobbied a regulator to speed up approval of a COVID-19 drug trial. Complaints filed against Yong Hye-in, the nominee for gender equality and family minister, will also be assigned to investigative units soon.
Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency Commissioner Ko Beom-seok said at his first regular press briefing since taking office on the 7th that two complaints had been filed against Kim. "We plan to review which jurisdiction should handle it and assign the case around today," Ko said. "We will also need to review once again whether a new investigation is possible."
Lee Jong-bae, a former Seoul city council member, and the civic group Citizens' Livelihood Countermeasure Committee filed the complaints with the Seoul police, accusing Kim of violating the Political Funds Act, abuse of authority and violating the law banning improper solicitation.
Kim is alleged to have asked Kim Kang-lip, then head of the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, in October 2021 to expedite approval of phase 2 and 3 clinical trials for a COVID-19 treatment developed by biotech firm Genencell, at the request of a broker surnamed Yang. Kim was investigated at the time, but prosecutors suspended his indictment in December 2024. Because prosecutors have already ruled on the case, police are reviewing whether the newly filed complaints provide legal grounds to reopen it.
Police are also preparing to assign the case involving Yong, who has been accused of violating the Political Funds Act and abuse of authority. Five complaints against her have been filed with the Seoul police. Yong is alleged to have paid her husband, a party staffer surnamed Park, a salary out of political funds and to have improperly used airport VIP lounges with her family.
The investigation into 13 allegations surrounding independent lawmaker Kim Byung-kee is expected to wrap up soon. "The investigation under the procedures appears to be almost complete," Ko said. "You can consider it to be at the stage of being wrapped up." The Seoul police said they do not intend to miss the one-month deadline recommended by the police investigation review committee.
Ko, appearing before reporters for the first time since taking office, also stressed stepping up patrols on the ground. "There are practical limits to preventing crime completely," he said. "Patrol activity has to be strengthened to make up for that."
On a recent series of misconduct cases involving officers, Ko said, "These are deviations by a very small minority, but responsibility must be assigned strictly under the rules." He added, "Because of a very small number of offenders, fatigue can build up among the rest of the officers who work hard."
