Justice Minister nominee Kim Seung-won said he feels a heavy responsibility and intends to establish a new criminal-justice system for South Korea [1].
His remarks come amid a sharp partisan divide between the Democratic and People Power parties. The nomination is a critical step in the administration's effort to reshape the legal landscape and address long-standing disputes over the powers of the prosecution.
Speaking to reporters at the National Assembly, Kim said he reiterated the principle of national sovereignty of the people [1]. He pledged to complete prosecution reform to ensure that the public feels they are the true owners of the Republic of Korea [1].
Despite his commitment to systemic change, Kim remained guarded on specific political controversies. He said he would not comment on the issue regarding the president’s prosecution-case-dismissal [1]. This topic has become a primary flashpoint for political opposition, who view the dismissal as a matter of legal integrity.
Kim's focus remains on the broader structural goals of his nomination. He said he would work to ensure the government reflects the will of the sovereign people [1]. The nominee's approach suggests a strategy of emphasizing long-term institutional goals while avoiding immediate political traps that could complicate his confirmation process.
The briefing occurred the day after his official nomination [1]. His statements signal a commitment to reform, but the silence on the president's legal matters is likely to remain a point of contention during legislative hearings.
“Kim Seung-won said he feels a heavy responsibility.”
Kim Seung-won's nomination places him at the center of a power struggle over the South Korean legal system. By emphasizing 'national sovereignty' and systemic reform while avoiding the president's specific legal controversies, Kim is attempting to frame his tenure as one of institutional modernization rather than political protection. However, his refusal to address the case-dismissal issue provides a clear target for opposition lawmakers during the confirmation process.
