Fierce Debate at Kim Seung-won's Confirmation Hearing

The People Power Party stated that while they requested 44 witnesses and 4 참고인 (reference witnesses), the Democratic Party did not accept a single one. Concerns were particularly raised that the exclusion of key witnesses, such as the Minister of Food and Drug Safety, would inevitably lead to a shoddy hearing.

It was criticized that the documents currently submitted by nominee Kim account for only 35.4% of the requested materials, showing an attitude contrary to his past criticisms. Documents related to the alleged lobbying of the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety and the suspended indictment were also not submitted.

This caused deep pain to the parents, which was emphasized at the confirmation hearing, raising the issue of the problematic remarks.

Lawmaker Park Gyu stated that nominee Kim Seung-won received a summary order for a fine of 700,000 won on July 4, 2008, for violating the Road Traffic Act (drunk driving). However, it was pointed out that Kim refused to consent to the provision of his personal information, preventing the submission of relevant documents. The possibility that Kim might have violated the requirements for submitting criminal records during the Democratic Party's nomination verification in the past was also raised. Furthermore, criticism of 'double standards' was leveled against Kim, citing the fact that during his time as a lawyer, he advocated for stronger disciplinary measures against drunk driving to the Korean Bar Association.

He emphasized that the operation of the institution and the recruitment process are autonomous decisions made by parents, not political issues. He requested the submission of relevant Ministry of Justice reports from the time of former Minister Han Dong-hoon, and also requested the disclosure of original indictment plans and reporting circumstances.

The need for an investigation into alleged violations of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act and the Korean Education Institutions Act was also raised. Additionally, regarding allegations of stock price manipulation by nominee Kim, annual stock trading records were requested, but the nominee's side denied the possibility of a conflict of interest and refused to submit them.

Lawmaker Kim Eui-gyeom cited remarks by 간사 Park Young-soo, stating that the difference between 70% and 64.6% in the document submission rate was not a significant issue. The opposition party argued that the Ministry of Justice's obligation to submit documents is mandatory, while the ruling party pointed out the limitations of disclosing internal prosecution documents, such as those related to suspended indictments. Joint action on the Ministry of Justice's policy of non-disclosure of internal prosecution documents was discussed, and an agreement was reached to track data leakage paths, including login records.

He also said that it was difficult to find any potential distortion in the investigation process when he filed a constitutional petition. The nominee stated that he had completed the submission of 584 requested documents for the confirmation hearing and explained that the center where his spouse works is operated primarily by parents, with no profit distribution.

Nominee Kim Seung-won explained that the developmental disability care facility entered into a legitimate contract with Dongnam Health College. He stated that because of its good location, parents using vouchers naturally came to use the facility, emphasizing that there was no preferential treatment whatsoever. The facility utilizes vacant spaces at Dongnam Health College and operates basement areas, and is composed of a social cooperative of parents of children with developmental disabilities.

He emphasized that it was a choice for the future of children with developmental disabilities, not for profit. He appealed to the dedication of care workers and the difficulties of social prejudice, articulating a care philosophy that extends beyond just family.

Nominee Kim Seung-won stated that regarding the 2021 Ministry of Food and Drug Safety case, the prosecution confirmed there was no improper solicitation and decided not to indict. He claimed that the investigation process involved intense scrutiny, including phone calls and financial account checks, and characterized lawmaker Han Dong-hoon's allegations as political oppression. He added that the prosecution confirmed there was no omission or preferential treatment in the clinical trial approval process, nor any procedural violations.

He raised the possibility that materials inaccessible even to defense lawyers or defendants were leaked externally, expressing his determination to meticulously examine this issue to protect universal human rights if he becomes Minister of Justice. He announced an investigation and audit into the alleged leak of investigative secrets.

Nominee Kim Seung-won stated his belief that investigative powers, the most potent state authority, should not be used for the political purposes of specific groups. He promised that if he becomes Minister of Justice, he will do his utmost to ensure that state powers, such as investigative powers, remain as fair, clean, and politically neutral as possible. He cited recorded phone calls related to a certain Ms. Yang as an example, raising concerns about investigative bias, and pointed out the inappropriate private use of internal prosecution documents. He strongly criticized the exercise of investigative powers that have lost political neutrality and emphasized his full commitment to ensuring the fairness of investigative powers as Minister of Justice.

People Power Party lawmakers claimed that five hospitals participated in the clinical trial involving broker Yang Soo-jin, who nominee Kim Seung-won was implicated in. They pointed out a lack of transparency in the clinical trial approval process for Bucheon and Eunpyeong St. Mary's Hospitals, and alleged that Kim personally called the head of the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety to expedite approval. They also raised the possibility of involvement with Democratic Party lawmaker Shin Hyun-young, continuing their offensive on the lobbying allegations.

Nominee Kim Seung-won claimed that he merely requested a status check on a delayed procedure, not a specific company's approval. He explained that it was unavoidable given the urgent need for domestic treatment development during the COVID-19 crisis at the time. He stated that he called the head of the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety only once, with no subsequent reports, and denied being present at a meeting between lawmaker Shin Hyun-young and broker Yang Soo-jin.

Lawmaker Kim Nam-hee defended the profitability controversy surrounding the support agency for people with developmental disabilities operated by nominee Kim Seung-won's spouse. She explained the reality that a high proportion of labor costs is inevitable due to the voucher-based operating structure, emphasizing that families of people with developmental disabilities operate cooperatives as a self-help measure. She stressed the need for state and societal support and guarantees for people with developmental disabilities and their families to live as dignified citizens in society.

Nominee Kim Seung-won recalled his childhood experience of caring for his mother, who couldn't walk due to rheumatoid arthritis, helping her with basic needs. He explained that this personal experience gave him a deep understanding of and commitment to disability policy. He spoke of meeting his wife through volunteer work and emphasized his promise to legislate on disability policy when he first entered politics.

He emphasized that he understood the selection process was primarily conducted by external committee members and stated his irrelevance to the controversy. The nominee maintained a stance of completely denying the allegations without further explanation on this issue.

A People Power Party lawmaker demanded an explanation from the nominee regarding the animal experiment manipulation explicitly stated in the verdict. Nominee Kim Seung-won replied that as someone from a liberal arts background, he could not know the performance of hyojae. He explained that professional officials from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety evaluation center confirmed it, and an advisory committee including Samsung Hospital determined the clinical procedures were appropriate, thus denying practical involvement. He mentioned efforts for victim recovery as Minister of Justice.

Nominee Kim Seung-won stated that if he becomes Minister of Justice, he will meet with victims of stock manipulation cases and work towards their recovery. He expressed his sense of responsibility for First Lady Kim Keon-hee's alleged involvement in stock manipulation, demonstrating a strong commitment as a nominee for Minister of Justice. Furthermore, debate arose regarding the basis for the non-indictment decision related to the stock manipulation case.

A fierce debate continued between the ruling and opposition parties regarding the reliability of the prosecution's investigation results.

He also cautiously expressed his sorrow over the media's unfiltered reporting of such distorted content. He raised issues regarding the prosecution's investigation practices and questioned the authenticity of the transcript.