The Corruption Investigation Agency is currently questioning a whistleblower regarding allegations against Kim Seung-won, a lawmaker from the Democratic Party, related to soliciting approval for a COVID-19 drug trial.
According to legal sources on October 8, the agency's investigation team, led by Chief Prosecutor Na Chang-soo, summoned the whistleblower, referred to as A, for questioning this afternoon.
A has reportedly argued for a thorough investigation, citing that the appellate court, which recently reviewed the embezzlement case against Professor Kang, the founder of the pharmaceutical company Genensel, acknowledged the allegations against Kim.
Previously, on September 28, A filed a complaint against Kim for abuse of power, bribery to a third party, and soliciting bribes. The agency assigned the case on September 30 and began its investigation.
On September 30, the Seoul High Court overturned the original sentence of three years in prison with a five-year probation for Professor Kang, who was charged with violating the Specific Economic Crimes Act and the Act on the Regulation of Criminal Proceeds. Instead, the court sentenced him to four years in prison and a fine of 40 million won.
In the appeal, the court found Kang guilty of paying 600 million won to broker Yang, contrary to the first trial's ruling that deemed it a mere investment. The court concluded that Kang solicited expedited approval for the clinical trial from the then-Commissioner of the Food and Drug Safety Agency through Kim and paid Yang's side 600 million won in return.
Kim is accused of contacting then-Commissioner Kim Kang-rip in 2021 at Yang's request to facilitate Genensel's clinical trial approval. Although Kim was investigated by prosecutors in October of the same year, the prosecution decided not to indict him in December 2024.
In response to the allegations, Kim acknowledged during his confirmation hearing for the Minister of Justice that he did contact the then-Commissioner but clarified that it was not a solicitation but rather a means to convey a grievance.
Facing intense scrutiny from the opposition over the clinical trial approval allegations, as well as accusations regarding family welfare agency hiring practices and collusion with sitting judges, Kim voluntarily resigned from his position as Minister of Justice candidate on September 19.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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