A broker involved in the COVID-19 treatment clinical trial approval scheme linked to Democratic Party lawmaker Kim Seung-won has been sentenced to four years in prison. The founder of Genensel, who was tried alongside the broker, received a six-month sentence.
During a sentencing hearing on November 12 at the Seoul Western District Court, presided over by Judge Sung Jun-kyu, prosecutors requested a four-year prison term for the broker, identified as Yang, and six months for the Genensel founder, Kang. They also sought the confiscation of approximately 610 million won from Yang.
The two are accused of soliciting expedited processing from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety through then-lawmaker Kim in exchange for a political donation of 5 million won related to the approval of a clinical trial plan for a COVID-19 treatment being developed by Genensel.
According to prosecutors, Kang requested Yang's assistance in expediting the approval process after the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety demanded additional information on the clinical trial plan in October 2021. Following this, Kim reportedly contacted the head of the ministry to request swift processing of the clinical trial plan. The ministry approved the plan about two weeks after Kim's request.
The indictment claims that Kim indicated he would receive a donation of up to 5 million won if the process went smoothly. Yang also allegedly sent an email to Kang requesting a donation of 5 million won for Kim, who had helped with the approval.
Kim provided a donation account, and while Kang attempted to make the transfer, it was determined that the political donation limit had already been reached, preventing the funds from being delivered.
Prosecutors concluded that Kim had agreed to receive the 5 million won donation as a reward for his facilitation, but stated that it was difficult to definitively conclude that the solicitation itself was illegal, leading to a deferred prosecution decision in December 2024. Kim has contested this ruling by filing a constitutional complaint.
Previously nominated as the Minister of Justice, Kim voluntarily withdrew from the candidacy in September.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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