Kim Seung-won: 'No Authority to Withdraw Indictment as Minister, No Plan to Exercise Command'

▲ Nominee for Minister of Justice Kim Seung-won arrives at his confirmation hearing preparation office set up at the Jeokseon Hyundai Building in Jongno-gu, Seoul, on the 3rd.

Kim Seung-won, nominee for Minister of Justice, emphasized that the Minister of Justice has no direct authority regarding the withdrawal of the indictment in the case involving President Lee Jae-myung, and that he has no intention of exercising command through the Prosecutor General.

Regarding receiving a disposition of suspension of indictment after previously requesting the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety to swiftly process clinical trials for a COVID-19 treatment, he stated that the disposition was unfair and that he plans to clear his name through a constitutional appeal.

Nominee Kim arrived for his first day of work at the confirmation hearing preparation office set up in the Jeokseon Hyundai Building in Jongno-gu, Seoul, today (the 3rd).

When asked about his stance on the withdrawal of the indictment, Nominee Kim stated, "As a lawmaker, I conveyed the public sentiment that the state must rectify the wrongs of cases fabricated and indicted through illegal investigations."

He then emphasized that, as a nominee for Minister of Justice, he will follow the law and principles, adding, "Since trial prosecutors hold the authority for maintaining indictments in individual cases, I will respect that authority."

When asked whether he would exercise the minister's investigative command, he drew a line, stating, "It is up to the prosecutor in charge of maintaining the indictment to decide," and "I have no intention whatsoever of reviewing the minister's command."

Nominee Kim previously served as co-representative alongside lawmaker Yoon Kun-young in the "Lawmaker Group for the Withdrawal of Indictment and Promotion of Parliamentary Investigation into President Lee Jae-myung's Case."

Nominee Kim has repeatedly expressed his opinion that the indictment in President Lee's case should be withdrawn.

In January, he held a press conference with Democratic Party lawmakers from Gyeonggi Province, arguing, "The case of President Lee Jae-myung, which was fabricated and indicted by political prosecutors, must have its indictment withdrawn immediately."

When the lawmaker group for the withdrawal of the indictment was launched in February, he took on the role of co-representative, systematically leading related discussions.

Regarding reporters' questions about suspicions of lobbying the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, Nominee Kim stated, "From 2021, the prosecution conducted an intensive investigation for three years by mobilizing around 10 prosecutors, but reached a non-prosecution decision."

He continued, "A non-prosecution decision was appropriate, but because a suspension of indictment was issued based on certain actions, I consider it unfair."

He added, "I filed a constitutional appeal last year, and I understand that the Constitutional Court is currently reviewing the case," and "I want to clear my name to the end."

Regarding suspicions that a judge with personal ties to Nominee Kim handled the warrant review for the related case, he explained, "The prosecution investigated everything over a long period and is well aware of the relevant details."

Nominee Kim responded, "Despite this, I believe they reached a non-prosecution decision based on the conclusion that there was no illicit solicitation or provision of favors, and that the approval procedures proceeded normally."

Regarding his past record of defending sex crime cases, he explained, "In one case, the law firm I belonged to took on the representation, but I was not substantially involved, and in the other case, I provided defense in accordance with my usual convictions."

However, Nominee Kim stated, "I humbly reflect on aspects that did not meet the public's expectations."

Regarding his thoughts on his nomination, Nominee Kim stated, "I feel a profound sense of mission to ensure that the new criminal justice system, implemented after 70 years, settles in without public inconvenience."

He also conveyed, "I will alleviate public inconvenience by promptly resolving delays in case handling."

Furthermore, he said, "I want to elevate South Korea's status as a 'K-rights nation' where universal human rights are guaranteed and socially vulnerable groups can pursue rights and happiness without unjust discrimination and prejudice."

Nominee Kim emphasized that he will densely establish a national protection system to support the recovery of victims of crime and their return to daily life.

He also expressed his intent to support criminals so that they can gain the strength to return to society through correction and rehabilitation.

In addition, he stated, "I will ensure that a small minority of cartels do not enjoy unfair privileges, and that the public, including ordinary citizens and the middle class, can use the judicial system equally and fairly."

He also presented tasks such as expanding artificial intelligence (AI)-based judicial support and revising the Commercial Act, Civil Act, and Family Litigation Act.

Regarding immigration and entry-exit policies and foreign worker issues, Nominee Kim added, "I will strive to become a nominee and minister who can well organize these matters in the direction of inclusion and integration."

(Photo: Yonhap News)

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