Kim Seung-won, nominee for Minister of Justice, has issued an apology to the public, acknowledging shortcomings and expressing regret for causing distress. Speaking at a confirmation hearing before the National Assembly’s Legislation and Judiciary Committee on the 15th, Kim stated, “I have reflected on my path and my deficiencies while preparing for this hearing.” He added, “I apologize to the citizens for the concern caused by the controversies surrounding me.”
Commitment to Justice and Public Service
As a nominee for Minister of Justice under the Yoon Suk-yeol administration, Kim Seung-won emphasized his profound sense of responsibility to protect the rights and safety of the people. “I feel the immense responsibility of protecting the rights and safety of the people as a nominee for Minister of Justice,” Kim stated. He further elaborated that this sense of duty prompted his introspection during the hearing preparation. “Reflecting on my journey and areas where I fell short has been a crucial part of my preparation,” he explained.
Reforming the Prosecution Service
Addressing the impending abolition of the Supreme Prosecutors’ Office’s investigative function starting in October, Kim outlined his plans for a seamless transition. “We will meticulously prepare the organization, personnel, and budget to ensure no gaps exist,” he said. “We will incorporate the principles of separating investigation and indictment into the legislative and operational frameworks.” Kim also pledged to prevent any form of “illegal or fraudulent investigations,” such as concealing cases or destroying evidence, through close cooperation with relevant agencies. He aims to mitigate processing delays and ensure efficiency.
Combating Politicized Investigations
A significant point raised by Kim was his commitment to rectifying the misuse of investigative information for political purposes. “I will also put a stop to the political exploitation of investigative information,” Kim declared, signaling a firm stance against such practices.
Addressing Allegations and Ensuring Fairness
Kim Seung-won has faced allegations, notably the “Shinpyo Lobbying Controversy,” since his nomination. While some lawmakers, particularly from the Democratic Party, have claimed that one of their members received investigative materials from the prosecution, Kim’s camp maintains that no such materials were obtained from the prosecution. The nominee addressed these concerns by stating his intention to respond truthfully to all questions posed by the committee members and to clarify any discrepancies with the facts.
Prioritizing Public Safety and Support
Looking ahead, Kim outlined a multi-faceted approach to enhancing public safety and support systems. He vowed to “respond strictly to violent crimes” and to proactively address crimes related to relationships, such as stalking, before they escalate into more severe harm. “We will ensure that victims receive timely economic, legal, and psychological support,” Kim promised.
Rehabilitation and Social Reintegration
Furthermore, Kim expressed a commitment to improving the correctional environment and rehabilitation programs to aid in the social reintegration of offenders. “We will improve the correctional environment and vocational training programs to support the social reintegration of inmates,” he stated.
Protecting Vulnerable Populations and Enhancing Access to Justice
Kim’s vision extends to safeguarding vulnerable members of society and ensuring universal access to legal aid. “We will protect the socially vulnerable and ensure that everyone can receive the help of the law,” he asserted. This includes expanding free legal services and AI-based support systems to make legal assistance easily and quickly accessible to all citizens. “We will expand free legal services and AI-based services so that anyone can receive help easily and quickly,” Kim added.
Strengthening Legal Frameworks and Social Harmony
The nominee also addressed the need to revise various laws, including commercial, civil, and family laws, to better protect economic activities, citizens’ lives, and family rights. “We will revise commercial, civil, and family laws to protect economic activities, citizens’ lives, and family rights,” Kim said. He also emphasized fostering a society where individuals from diverse backgrounds can coexist respectfully. “We will achieve the protection of foreign nationals’ rights and the harmony of national interests, creating a society where people with different backgrounds are respected and live together,” Kim stated.
Upholding Public Trust and Accountability
In his concluding remarks, Kim Seung-won reiterated his dedication to serving the public with the authority entrusted to him. “I will use the authority entrusted to me solely for the benefit of the people,” he vowed. He pledged to maintain a firm stance against power and capital while extending robust legal action to support victims and the socially vulnerable. “I will be strict with power and capital, and I will extend strong legal action to victims and the socially vulnerable,” Kim concluded.
