[Anchor]
Kim Seung-won, the nominee for Minister of Justice who is currently embroiled in various controversies, did not report to his confirmation hearing preparation office today (September 4). Instead, he released a lengthy statement through the media to address the allegations.
Reporter Shin Yong-il has the details.
[Reporter]
The office set up in Jeokseon-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, for the confirmation hearing preparations of Justice Minister Nominee Kim Seung-won.
Nominee Kim did not report to the preparation office today.
Unlike yesterday, when he actively addressed allegations such as lobbying claims involving the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety on his way to work for the first time, he opted for indirect explanations today through a lengthy press release instead of speaking in person.
First, regarding text messages concerning the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety delivered by an individual known as a broker surnamed Yang, Nominee Kim repeatedly denied the lobbying allegations, stating, "I forwarded them after determining that the grievance petition had public interest."
He emphasized, "I did not request treatment approval or preferential treatment, nor did I interfere with the ministry's review or related judicial procedures," adding, "This was a case that received a suspension of indictment under the leadership of the Ministry of Justice and the prosecution appointed by the Yoon Suk Yeol administration."
Regarding a photo featuring three people—Nominee Kim, the broker Yang, and Presiding Judge Jeong—he rebutted, "It was a photo taken after running into each other by chance at a private gathering," and added, "I have never exchanged contact with them since."
He further argued that "the photo in question was taken two years before Judge Jeong dismissed the arrest warrant for the case involving Yang," claiming it is untrue that Nominee Kim exerted influence on the trial.
At the same time, regarding his past conviction and fine for drunk driving, he immediately apologized, saying, "I deeply reflect on my actions."
A former judge, Nominee Kim was fined 700,000 won by the Suwon District Court in 2008 for drunk driving while working as a lawyer after leaving the bench.
(Video by: Yang Hyun-cheol | Video editing by: Lee Seung-jin)
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