Written confirmation hearing responses

"Past positions will not influence case handling"

"Full abolition of prosecutors' direct investigative powers remains my stance"

Kim Seung-won, nominee for minister of justice, answers reporters' questions as he arrives at his confirmation hearing preparation office in Jongno-gu, Seoul, on Sept. 3. [Yonhap]
Kim Seung-won, nominee for minister of justice, answers reporters' questions as he arrives at his confirmation hearing preparation office in Jongno-gu, Seoul, on Sept. 3. [Yonhap]

Kim Seung-won, nominee for minister of justice, said he would "strictly supervise and direct prosecutors to carry out their duties fairly while maintaining political neutrality" in criminal cases involving President Lee Jae Myung.

Kim made the remarks Saturday in written responses to questions submitted by People Power Party Assembly member Ju Jin-woo of the Legislation and Judiciary Committee. Ju had asked whether Kim, if confirmed as minister, intended to instruct the Ministry of Justice, prosecutors or the public prosecution office to review dropping the charges against President Lee.

In his response, Kim said he would "carry out all duties fairly in accordance with laws and regulations."

Asked whether he would recuse himself from duties related to dropping charges, directing investigations or receiving case reports on criminal matters involving President Lee, Kim said he would "distinguish between political activities as a National Assembly member and duties as minister." He added that he would "ensure past positions do not influence case handling or personnel decisions" and would "determine necessary measures, including recusal, in accordance with relevant laws and regulations."

Kim is co-chair of the Democratic Party's group calling for the withdrawal of charges against President Lee.

On whether he would maintain his existing position that prosecutors' direct investigative powers should be fully abolished, Kim said his stance was unchanged — that fully stripping prosecutors of direct investigative authority was appropriate in order to completely separate investigation from indictment and allow prosecutors to focus on their core role of initiating and maintaining public prosecutions.

Asked about abolishing prosecutors' supplementary investigative powers, Kim said he would "make every effort to complete follow-up measures, including revising relevant laws and regulations, and concentrate all resources on working actively with relevant agencies to ensure the new criminal justice system takes root."


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