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As the confirmation hearing for Kim Seung-won, the nominee for Minister of Justice, approaches in ten days, allegations of lobbying for a new drug are intensifying. It has been revealed that Kim stated in past recordings, "The moment the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety approves it, we can earn billions," sparking controversy. The ruling People Power Party has criticized this as personnel manipulation by the Lee Jae-myung administration.
Kim has claimed that the allegations regarding lobbying for a COVID-19 drug were made to convey public grievances for altruistic purposes, and the Democratic Party is defending him. However, the People Power Party strongly opposes this, stating that Kim's nomination failure goes beyond a mere personnel mistake to a personnel disaster. Additionally, it has come to light that Kim was fined 700,000 won for a past drunk driving incident, to which he responded, "It is a mistake that cannot be tolerated for any reason," expressing deep remorse.
Meanwhile, controversy continues surrounding Yoon Hye-in, the nominee for Minister of Gender Equality and Family. She has faced criticism for abstaining from a vote on the amendment to the Basic Act on Gender Equality last year, and there are also allegations regarding her spouse being hired as a party official and receiving a salary. The ruling and opposition parties have agreed to hold Kim Seung-won's confirmation hearing on the 15th, while the schedule for Yoon's hearing is still being coordinated.