Justice Minister Nominee Says He Won’t Seek to Drop President’s Case

Kim Seung-won, South Korea’s nominee for justice minister, said he has no authority to withdraw indictments and has not considered using his supervisory power over the prosecution to influence the case involving President Yoon Suk Yeol. He made the remarks on Thursday as he prepares for his parliamentary confirmation hearing, according to MBC News. The nominee stated that the decision on whether to pursue or drop charges rests with individual prosecutors, not with the minister. His comments come amid opposition concerns that he might use the position to intervene in politically sensitive prosecutions, including the ongoing case against the president. Kim also addressed allegations that he lobbied the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety over a new drug approval. He denied any wrongdoing, saying he wants to clear his name, and noted that he has filed a constitutional complaint against the prosecution’s decision to suspend his indictment in that matter, as reported by the Hankyoreh.  Separately, Han Dong-hoon, a rival politician, has raised fresh questions about Kim’s past role as head of the Gyeonggi provincial party chapter, suggesting possible creation of an illicit fund. Kim has not yet responded publicly to that specific claim, according to Daum News. The confirmation hearing is expected to test Kim’s independence from the presidential office, particularly his stance on prosecutorial discretion. Lawmakers will likely press him on how he would balance political pressure with the rule of law if confirmed.