Kim Seung-won, the nominee for Minister of Justice, stated that he has no intention of exercising ministerial authority to cancel the prosecution of President Lee Jae-myung. He clarified that he respects the judgment of trial prosecutors handling individual cases, stepping back from his previous stance as a member of the Democratic Party advocating for prosecution cancellation.
On the morning of September 3, as he arrived at the confirmation hearing preparation office in Jongno, Seoul, Kim told reporters, "I have no thoughts of reviewing the ministerial authority."
He added, "As a member of the National Assembly, I conveyed the public's position that the state should correct wrongful prosecutions resulting from illegal investigations. However, as a nominee for Minister of Justice, I must adhere to the law and principles."
Kim emphasized, "Legally, the authority to maintain prosecution in individual cases lies with trial prosecutors. I respect that authority and currently have no intention of directing the Prosecutor General to cancel prosecutions."
He reiterated his position of leaving the decision on prosecution cancellation to the trial prosecutors. When asked if he believes ministerial authority is necessary, he responded, "No, it is a matter that the prosecutor in charge of maintaining the trial should decide."
Previously, Kim served as co-chair of a group of lawmakers within the Democratic Party advocating for prosecution cancellation. In January, he called for the immediate cancellation of prosecutions in manipulated cases. In March, he also mentioned the need for the Minister of Justice to direct prosecution cancellations. Concerns have been raised in opposition circles that if Kim assumes the ministerial role, he may use his investigative authority to push for the cancellation of prosecutions in the President's case.
Regarding allegations of lobbying related to the Food and Drug Administration, Kim expressed his intention to clear his name, stating that the decision to suspend prosecution was unjust.
He explained, "The prosecution conducted a thorough investigation involving over ten prosecutors for about three years but ultimately decided not to indict. It was concluded that there was no evidence of bribery or any irregularities in the clinical approval process."
Kim argued, "It should have been a dismissal of charges, but I was suspended from prosecution simply for introducing a method of support. I believe this is unjust, and I filed a constitutional complaint last year, which I understand is currently under review by the Constitutional Court. I want to clear my name completely."
In response to allegations that a judge with whom he is friendly presided over the warrant review in the case, he stated, "The prosecution investigated everything and is aware of all related details. Nevertheless, they concluded that there was no bribery or preferential treatment, and the approval process was conducted normally, leading to the decision to suspend prosecution."
Kim also addressed his history of defending individuals in sexual assault cases involving minors. He clarified, "In the first case, my law firm took it on, but I was not directly involved. In another case, a close friend's nephew committed the offense alongside older peers, and the individual was also a minor."
He added, "I defended them based on my belief that minors deserve a second chance, but I humbly reflect on aspects that do not meet public expectations."
Regarding allegations of accounting irregularities in the Gyeonggi Province party, he said, "I was surprised to receive the tip and requested an audit from the central party. I understand that an investigation is being conducted according to the relevant procedures."
After assuming office, Kim identified the stable implementation of a new criminal justice system and the resolution of case processing delays as key tasks. He also plans to promote support for crime victims' return to daily life, rehabilitation and reintegration of offenders, elimination of unjust privileges in the judicial field, AI-based judicial support, amendments to civil and family litigation laws, and the overhaul of immigration and entry policies.
* This article has been translated by AI.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.