Kim Seung-won, the nominee for Minister of Justice, expressed regret on September 15 for the concerns raised by recent allegations against him, stating, "I apologize for causing anxiety to the public due to the suspicions raised about me. I will sincerely explain the parts that are not true."
During his opening remarks at the National Assembly's Legislation and Judiciary Committee confirmation hearing, Kim emphasized the significant responsibility he feels as the Minister of Justice nominee for the Lee Jae-myung government, stating that he must protect the rights and safety of the people.
He also referenced his career as a judge, lawyer, and member of the 21st and 22nd National Assemblies. He highlighted his legislative achievements, including the proposal for the establishment of the Suwon Rehabilitation Court, which aimed to shorten the processing time for personal bankruptcy cases, and his advocacy for marginalized victims during the MBK and Homeplus incidents, asserting that "the protection of the law must first reach those who need it most."
Kim noted the recent separation of investigation and prosecution, marking a significant overhaul of the criminal justice system after 70 years. He outlined four key policy priorities, identifying the establishment of the Public Prosecution Office and the successful separation of investigation and prosecution as top priorities, while also promising to implement a responsible criminal justice system. He described plans to prevent illegal and inadequate investigations and to resolve delays in investigations to achieve reforms that the public can feel.
Additionally, he emphasized the need to strengthen responses to serious crimes, including stalking and relationship-based offenses, support for crime victims' recovery, free legal assistance, and the expansion of AI-based services to protect vulnerable populations.
Kim also committed to revising livelihood-related legislation and reforming immigration and entry policies tailored to regional characteristics to support social integration and economic growth.
He stated, "I will be strict with power and capital, and provide strong legal administration for victims and the socially vulnerable." He added, "I will use the authority entrusted to me by the public solely for the benefit of the people," and pledged to correct any shortcomings pointed out and to faithfully reflect the National Assembly's opinions in legal administration.
The confirmation hearing is expected to see clashes between the ruling and opposition parties over various allegations related to Kim.
The People Power Party is likely to launch a full-scale offensive against him, focusing on previously raised allegations, including accusations of soliciting new drugs, hiring family members at welfare organizations, and collusion with current judges.
In contrast, the Democratic Party plans to label the opposition's verification efforts as false and fabricated, vowing to respond sternly to baseless allegations and personal attacks.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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