Key facts
- Justice Minister nominee Kim Seung-won denied allegations of illegal lobbying for a COVID-19 treatment.
- Police reopened an investigation into the allegations on September 8, 2026.
- The previous investigation in 2024 did not lead to formal indictment.
- A civic group filed a criminal complaint last week, leading to the reinvestigation.
- Kim Seung-won stated he only sought to prevent unfair delays in clinical trial approval.
Police on Tuesday reopened an investigation into allegations that Justice Minister nominee Kim Seung-won illegally lobbied for a COVID-19 treatment in 2021. Kim, a two-term lawmaker nominated by President Lee Jae Myung, has faced pressure over claims he asked the then food and drug safety minister to expedite a treatment's clinical trial approval at a broker's request.
An earlier investigation concluded in 2024 with prosecutors deciding against formal indictment, finding no definitive proof of illegal solicitation. However, the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency announced the case could be reinvestigated following a criminal complaint filed by a civic group last week. The case has been assigned to the Yeongdeungpo Police Station, which is expected to question the accusers after a legal review.
Kim Seung-won has denied any wrongdoing, asserting that he made no illegal requests to the former minister and only aimed to prevent unfair delays in the clinical trial process.