Kim Min-seok Defends Kim Seung-won Amid Controversy

Kim Min-seok, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, expressed support on September 11 for Kim Seung-won, the nominee for Minister of Justice, who is embroiled in allegations related to COVID-19 drug procurement. "The more I observe, the more I believe this is a good appointment," he stated, affirming his commitment to defend the nominee.

During a Supreme Council meeting held at the Chungbuk Provincial Office in Cheongju, Kim remarked, "The confirmation hearing for the nominee should proceed smoothly. Although there have been attacks from independent lawmaker Han Dong-hoon, the truth will ultimately come to light."

Kim specifically targeted Han, who has raised various allegations against the nominee. He noted, "Public sentiment is increasingly leaning toward the necessity of punishing Han. I believe that, without even needing to use the word 'out,' the public is already moving in that direction."

He further claimed that the materials Han disclosed regarding the nominee's allegations were illegally leaked prosecution documents, emphasizing, "We will identify and punish all illegal data connections during this opportunity."

Kim described the current situation as a manifestation of the remnants of the prosecution resisting reform, stating, "The essence of the current crisis is revealed through Han Dong-hoon's attention-seeking politics. Whether they leaked illegal data or knowingly utilized it, they are all part of the illegal data connection forces."

He criticized Han's recent claims about the nominee, suggesting that they were baseless and likened them to previous controversies involving manipulated photographs. "Han has gone from a shooting spree to now alleging some affair involving the nominee, using photos taken at someone's home as evidence. I wonder if he is trying to present something that rivals or surpasses the manipulated photos from the Daejang-dong golf incident," he said.

Kim also addressed Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon, who proposed a 'G3 Plan' to make Seoul a top global city. He expressed disappointment that the announcement came at a time when the mayor's stability in office could be in question. "After the first trial ruling against Mayor Oh, I have doubts about how much momentum and drive the good elements of the G3 Plan will have," he said, adding that any instability in Oh's administration would ultimately inconvenience the citizens, prompting the Democratic Party to engage in critical cooperation with the Seoul administration.

He concluded, "The Democratic Party's central committee will work in critical cooperation with the Seoul City Party and the Seoul City Council solely for the citizens of Seoul. Even if Mayor Oh wavers, we are determined to protect the city. If there are good elements in the G3 Plan proposed by Mayor Oh, we will actively support them."

Previously, Oh was indicted for allegedly covering the costs of opinion polls ahead of the 2021 Seoul mayoral by-election and was fined 10 million won in the first trial. The appeals process began on August 21, and if a fine of over 1 million won is confirmed, he will lose his mayoral position, triggering a by-election.