South Korea’s nominee for justice minister, Kim Seung-won, withdraws his nomination on Saturday after allegations that he was involved in a COVID-19 treatment and the approval of its clinical trials. Speaking at the National Assembly, Kim says he stepped down after “much deliberation” and apologizes for failing to meet expectations.
The withdrawal follows parliamentary proceedings in which Kim’s confirmation hearing report is adopted by a committee earlier this week, despite objections from the main opposition People Power Party. One report ties the controversy to a “Covid-19 drug trial scandal,” indicating the dispute centres on the extent of Kim’s role in the development and trial approval process.
Both outlets describe Kim as a two-term lawmaker from the ruling Democratic Party of Korea, with prior experience as a judge and later work connected to the liberal Moon Jae-in administration’s political affairs. While the outlets broadly agree on the reason for his withdrawal and the political process around it, they differ mainly in emphasis and wording about the drug trial allegations.
