Justice Minister Nominee Kim Seung-won Embroiled in Controversy

The reporter introduced lawmaker Joo Jin-woo as the “People Power Party’s top attacker,” anticipating his crucial role in Kim's hearing.

Ahead of the interview, lawmaker Joo Jin-woo expressed his determination, saying, “Even today, amidst intense heat, we will fight with even greater fervor.” This interview served as a preview for Kim Seung-won’s confirmation hearing.

Lawmaker Joo Jin-woo argued that the Basic Income Party did not meet the requirements for a political party, claiming it was essentially a fraudulent party registration. He stated that he had filed a complaint with the police and requested an investigation by the National Election Commission.

He questioned, “If you stack fertilizer bags in a shed-like place and call it a party office, would the public understand?” and pointed out that national funds should not be used for such purposes.

Furthermore, lawmaker Joo criticized lawmaker Yong Hye-in’s statement immediately after her resignation press conference, where she said that ministerial concurrent positions are not allowed, regardless of regional or proportional representation, as “double standards.” He added that her attitude—claiming she would hold concurrent positions when she was to be minister, but now saying it’s not allowed after her withdrawal—must have amused the public.

He stated, “In essence, it was a request to the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety to approve a drug that would kill rats if ingested, and that drug was administered to 93 of our citizens,” classifying it as a form of human experimentation.

Lawmaker Joo further emphasized, “This itself is a matter that requires a special prosecutor and is a major subject of investigation for a special prosecutor,” stressing that it is not merely an issue of ministerial qualification. He claimed that nominee Kim, far from repenting, asserted that the request was for a public purpose, but in reality, the request was clear, and there was even an ‘older brother controversy’ during the lobbying process. He also raised suspicions that the recipient of the request was a broker involved in stock manipulation for kickbacks.

He emphasized that this incident is subject to a special prosecutor's investigation and is not merely an issue of ministerial qualification.

Nominee Kim’s explanation that it was for a public purpose is a clear instance of lobbying, and suspicions have been raised that he was involved in stock manipulation through a broker during the lobbying process. Lawmaker Joo Jin-woo urged nominee Kim to resign immediately if he has any conscience.

He criticized, “How can someone who is supposed to oversee our country’s laws and constantly tell citizens to abide by them have a criminal record and a history of breaking the law himself? What authority would he have?”

Lawmaker Joo emphasized that drunk driving alone should disqualify him from being a ministerial nominee. Regarding the reason for pushing the appointment, he asked, “What else could it be but to dismiss Lee Jae-myung’s indictment?” He argued that the purpose is not public but a means to get rid of Lee Jae-myung’s own trial. He added that it is very wrong to force the appointment despite suspicions of drug lobbying, stock manipulation, and human harm.

He pointed out that if this money had been properly delivered to people with disabilities, much better education and services could have been provided. Specifically, he mentioned that Kim’s spouse worked as the director of the corporation, and their son and daughter also received salaries whenever the budget increased, with their salaries rising by 30% annually. Kim’s son, shortly after graduating from university, was employed by this corporation where his mother was the director, and it was criticized that he taught only one student.

Lawmaker Joo Jin-woo pointed out that nominee Kim Seung-won’s son is employed by the corporation, teaches one student, and when that student is absent, he was asked to submit attendance records but "evaded by pretending not to have them or deliberately not submitting them." He criticized, “This is only possible because the father is a local constituency lawmaker and the mother is the director.”

A recording released by PenNMike this morning contained content suggesting that due to the influence of Kim Seung-won, a local constituency lawmaker, his spouse received preferential treatment from Suwon City during the process of registering as a voucher-eligible institution. The recording clearly captured circumstances indicating an attempt to extend deadlines and ensure approval even though the fire safety inspection had not been passed.

Lawmaker Joo pointed out that not calling a single witness or reference person is tantamount to confessing to crimes rather than explaining the allegations. He emphasized that this is a very problematic point, asking, “If they are innocent, they should call many witnesses, so why hide them?”

Lawmaker Joo Jin-woo stated that the Judiciary Committee members are confirmation hearing members, and strong lawmakers such as Kim Min-jeon, Kwak Gyu-taek, and Kim Tae-ho have prepared extensively. He said, “Our goal is to inform the public of the truth so they can evaluate,” and that they would conduct a proper personnel verification.

Lawmaker Joo predicted that if Chairman Lee Jae-myung forces Kim Seung-won’s appointment for his personal gain, Lee Jae-myung’s approval rating would fall to the 20% range. He analyzed that if the approval rating drops to the 20% range, discussions for Lee Jae-myung’s impeachment could become a reality even within the Democratic Party, making a forced appointment quite burdensome for Chairman Lee. The People Power Party emphasized that if the appointment is forced, the public will judge.

However, nominee Kim evaded answering, stating, “Please understand that it is difficult for me to comment on hypothetical situations related to individual and specific cases.”

Lawmaker Joo argued, “When words are long, there’s a trick,” emphasizing that he should honestly state whether he will dismiss the indictment in front of the public and face public judgment. He criticized that being unable to answer hypothetical situations is nothing but a trick.

Lawmaker Joo added that the issue of indictment dismissal is closer to reality than a hypothetical situation.

However, when called to the parliamentary audit, she was suddenly appointed as Chief of Protocol, a position that follows Chairman Lee Jae-myung, and typically does not appear before the National Assembly as it relates to the President's movements, lawmaker Joo stated. He criticized this as an attempt to hide a person to avoid appearing before the National Assembly, pointing out that it is an exceptional situation contrary to principle.

Lawmaker Joo Jin-woo stated that the public suspects Chief of Staff Kim Hyun-ji of being an unofficial personnel strongman. He mentioned that even Democratic Party lawmaker Moon Jin-seok could not directly ask Chief of Staff Kim Hyun-ji for a favor and had to ask through lawmaker Kim Nam-guk.

Lawmaker Joo said that if even incumbent Democratic Party lawmakers cannot call her directly, it clearly shows who the real power is. He also mentioned the recent incident where Seo Yong-jo, a former deputy spokesperson for the Democratic Party, inadvertently said on air, “The personnel line is Kim Hyun-ji,” analyzing that their embarrassed reaction showed what was on their minds.

Lawmaker Joo questioned whether, given Chairman Lee Jae-myung’s approval rating, which was once 60-70% but is now hovering around 20%, the government has the power to ignore the public, arrogantly prevent Chief of Staff Kim Hyun-ji from appearing, and force Kim Seung-won’s appointment. He reminded that the Republic of Korea is a government of popular sovereignty and added that many within the Democratic Party, including Jung Cheong-rae, Choo Mi-ae, and Kim Eo-jun, have turned critical of Lee Jae-myung.

Lawmaker Joo Jin-woo mentioned that criticism of Chairman Lee Jae-myung is spreading even within the Democratic Party, emphasizing that the conservative right must fight until the end. He stated that while they will undoubtedly try to force Kim Seung-won’s appointment, they should not let it pass lightly but must report every single allegation to the public in detail to ensure his removal.

Reporter Lee Chae-jeong added that as the Democratic Party is increasingly divided, it remains to be seen whether they will unconditionally protect Chief of Staff Kim Hyun-ji. Lawmaker Joo Jin-woo stated that he would serve as a member of the Judiciary Committee for the Justice Minister’s confirmation hearing, showing strong determination for the hearing.

Lawmaker Joo Jin-woo announced that he would participate as a committee member in the confirmation hearing for Justice Minister nominee Kim Seung-won, explaining that as a member of the Judiciary Committee, he would be a confirmation hearing committee member for the Justice Minister. Reporter Lee Chae-jeong praised lawmaker Joo Jin-woo for consistently participating in important personnel hearings and playing a significant role in crucial matters such as the National Election Commission parliamentary investigation special committee.

The reporter lauded lawmaker Joo Jin-woo as the “People Power Party’s top attacker” and a promising opposition politician for the future. Lawmaker Joo Jin-woo concluded the interview by pledging, “I will work hard.”

Lawmaker Joo Jin-woo stated that he participates in all major personnel confirmation hearings and plays a key attacking role for the People Power Party in important issues such as the National Election Commission parliamentary investigation special committee. He assessed himself as a figure who continues to draw expectations as an opposition politician.

Reporter Lee Chae-jeong expressed anticipation for lawmaker Joo Jin-woo’s performance and announced that they would meet again at the live broadcast of Kim Seung-won’s confirmation hearing. Information related to Kim Seung-won’s recordings and other relevant details can be found in the YouTube video released by lawmaker Joo Jin-woo.