Drug-development lobbying allegations emerge as key test for Kim Seung-won’s confirmation hearing

Allegations surrounding Justice Minister nominee Kim Seung-won’s links to a COVID-19 drug-lobbying case have become the biggest flashpoint in his confirmation hearing. The controversy intensified after personal connections emerged among Kim, a judge who rejected an arrest warrant for a drug-company executive and a broker who sought regulatory approval.

“

process it a little faster

The allegations arose during a Seoul Western District Prosecutors’ Office investigation into Genencell, a COVID-19 treatment developer suspected of conducting fraudulent clinical trials in 2022 and 2023. Kang, identified as Genencell’s largest shareholder at the time, allegedly asked businessman Yang in early October 2021 to help secure rapid approval from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety for the company’s Phase 2 and 3 trial plans. Genencell was then seeking 10 billion won in investment and needed swift approval, the report said.

Yang reportedly contacted Kim, who on October 12, 2021, sent then-Food and Drug Safety Minister Kim Kang-lip a text naming the company and asking that officials “process it a little faster.” The ministry approved Genencell’s Phase 2 and 3 trial plan on October 26. In December, Kang tried to transfer 5 million won in political donations to Kim, but the payment failed because of an account limit.

“

It is clear bribery. Bribery is established even by a promise or a demand.

Prosecutors began a full investigation in November 2022 and later sought Kang’s arrest after raids and other investigative steps. The Seoul Western District Court rejected the warrant. Questions grew after it emerged that the judge, identified as Jung, had worked with Kim and also knew Yang. Yang posted a social-media photograph in February 2022 showing himself with Kim and Jung.

“

Han is turning Kim Seung-won’s legitimate parliamentary activity into improper solicitation and illegal lobbying.

Independent lawmaker Han Dong-hoon alleged that the Supreme Prosecutors’ Office had asked the Supreme Court’s court administration chief to exclude the Seoul Western District warrant judge, but that the request was rejected. People Power Party leader Jang Dong-hyuk called the case clear bribery and said Kim was chosen because the government wanted a justice minister willing to pursue case dismissals. Democratic Party spokesman Cho Gye-won said Han was turning Kim’s legitimate parliamentary activity into an allegation of improper solicitation and illegal lobbying. Kim said an intensive investigation involving more than 10 prosecutors under the Yoon Suk Yeol government ended without indictment, and maintained that his contact did not speed up the approval.

“

The clinical-trial approval was not expedited because of Kim Seung-won’s contact.