Prime Minister candidate Kim Min-seok said on the 13th, 'I have fully paid all fines, taxes, and surcharges related to violations of the Political Funds Act over a long period.'
On that day, candidate Kim stated on his Facebook, 'I express my regret regarding past violations of the Political Funds Act. The resulting punishment was severe, and it served as a significant lesson for me.'
He asserted, '(Regarding the cases for which I was criminally punished), I will soon provide a detailed explanation of the background and content,' and claimed, 'My violation of the Political Funds Act is a case with a strong nature of targeted prosecution.'
He continued, 'Such points were taken into account in the party's nominations,' adding, 'I have no objection to calling all relevant parties, including the prosecution, as witnesses.'
Candidate Kim is under suspicion of failing to repay 40 million won, which he borrowed from politician Kang, who had previously provided him with illegal political funds.
There are also allegations that he had Kang pay part of unpaid surcharges amounting to hundreds of millions won. Kang is known to be one of the individuals who provided funds during the unlawful political funding case involving candidate Kim that came to light in 2008.
Regarding the financial transaction suspicions with Kang, candidate Kim explained, 'There was a private debt, which I used to pay progressive taxes, and I had extended the repayment period for public debts such as fines, taxes, and surcharges. I took out a loan and repaid the full amount.'
In addition, candidate Kim is also facing allegations of 'daddy privilege' regarding a bill his son drafted while participating in a school club during high school and presented in the National Assembly, as well as his son's non-profit organization conducting a seminar with a congressional office.
In response, candidate Kim clarified, 'My son did not use reported legislative activities related to plagiarism prevention for his college application,' adding, 'It was a recommendation I made that it would be better not to use those activities on the application.'
He added, 'I co-sponsored the legislation related to plagiarism prevention that was introduced by a colleague because I believed it was necessary.'
Candidate Kim concluded, 'If other issues are raised, I will explain them thoroughly again.'
Earlier that day, candidate Kim met with reporters on his way to work and stated that he would clarify the allegations raised against him that day.
The following is the full text of candidate Kim's statement.
I will answer a few questions related to the personnel hearing.
First of all, I express my regret regarding past violations of the Political Funds Act. The resulting punishment was severe and has been a significant lesson for me. I faced a long period of difficulties politically, economically, and personally, and my children's mother, who had taken a different path during that time, took charge of their education.
1. My son did not use reported legislative activities related to plagiarism prevention for his college application. It was a recommendation of mine that it would be better not to use that activity on the application.
2. I co-sponsored the bill related to plagiarism prevention introduced by a colleague. I believed it was necessary.
3. There was a private debt. I used it to pay progressive taxes, and I had extended the repayment period for public debts such as fines, taxes, and surcharges. I took out a loan and repaid the full amount.
4. I have fully paid all fines, taxes, and surcharges related to violations of the Political Funds Act over a long period. I will soon provide a detailed explanation of the background and content of those cases. My violation of the Political Funds Act is a case with a strong nature of targeted prosecution. Such points were taken into account in the party's nominations. I have no objection to calling all relevant parties, including the prosecution, as witnesses.
5. If other issues are raised, I will explain them thoroughly again.
2025. Jun. 13 Prime Minister candidate Kim Min-seok