The civic group Citizens' Coalition for Economic Justice (CCEJ) on September 11 demanded that Kim Seung-won, a nominee for Minister of Justice, resign voluntarily in relation to allegations of "COVID-19 drug lobbying." The CCEJ stated, "Resign voluntarily and faithfully cooperate with the investigative agencies' probes into all raised allegations."
People’s Solidarity for Participatory Democracy also issued a statement the same day, saying, "The fact that the investigation occurred during the Yoon Suk-yeol administration is irrelevant to the essence of verifying the nominee's 'whether the request was improper,'" and called for summoning those involved to the confirmation hearing to clarify the facts. It also criticized the Democratic Party of Korea for refusing to adopt witnesses for the confirmation hearing, calling it "irresponsible."
The Democratic Party continued to defend Kim the same day. Kim Min-seok, the party's representative, said at a party meeting, "The more I look at it, the more I believe this is a well-made appointment. I will protect it." Regarding Han Dong-hoon, an independent lawmaker who raised the allegations, Kim stated, "Public opinion is growing that he must be punished."
At the same meeting, Park Sun-won, a Supreme Council member of the Democratic Party, mentioned information about whistleblower A, who reported the COVID-19 drug lobbying allegations to investigative agencies in 2022. Park claimed, "A not only demanded private meetings with broker...
Investigators said the driver had a valid driver’s license and no documented criminal history or outstanding warrants. Wichita Police on Tuesday urged the public to be patient as investigators con...