South Korean police reopen probe into justice minister nominee's alleged lobbying

Authorities in Seoul have reopened a case concerning Justice Minister nominee Kim Seung-won, who is accused of illegally lobbying for expedited approval of a COVID-19 therapy in 2021. The allegations stem from a complaint lodged by a civic organization, prompting police chief Ko Beom-seok of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency to order a fresh investigation. Kim, a veteran parliamentarian selected by President Lee Jae Myung last month, previously faced a probe that concluded in 2024 with prosecutors declining to file charges, citing insufficient evidence of wrongdoing.

The renewed inquiry has been transferred to the Yeongdeungpo Police Station, which plans to question the accusers after a legal review. Kim maintains that he made no illegal appeals to the former food and drug safety minister. The development adds pressure to his pending confirmation as justice minister.