The Citizens’ Coalition for Economic Justice urged Kim Seung-won, a nominee for Minister of Justice, to resign voluntarily on September 11, saying unresolved allegations undermine public trust and that he does not meet public expectations. Kim is accused of relaying a 2021 request from Genencell, a COVID-19 treatment company, to the head of the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety to expedite clinical trial approvals through text messages and phone calls. The CCEJ said the matter has broadened into allegations of stock price manipulation involving the pharmaceutical company, a drinking session with a judge specializing in warrant reviews and brokers, omitted property declarations concerning inherited real estate held under Kim’s spouse’s name, preferential salaries for his spouse and children at related institutions, and inflated salaries for officials during his time with the Gyeonggi Provincial Party, with part of the money allegedly diverted to slush funds. The Seoul Yeongdeungpo Police Station is investigating Kim’s alleged involvement in soliciting expedited approval for new drugs.