[Edaily Reporter BAEK JU-A ] It has been reported that the son of Judge Jeong Mo, a presiding judge at the Seoul Central District Court who is acquainted with Justice Minister nominee Kim Seung-won, worked as a legislative aide in Nominee Kim’s congressional office. In response to allegations that there may be a connection between the dismissal of Judge Jeong’s arrest warrant and his son’s employment in the congressional office, Nominee Kim’s camp has vehemently denied the claims.

In a statement released on the 10th, the preparation team for Kim Seung-won’s confirmation hearing stated, “Judge Jeong’s son gained experience working in a lawmaker’s office as a legislative assistant in accordance with standard procedures for members of the National Assembly to provide students with hands-on experience in parliamentary work.” They added, “It is clear that there is no causal relationship between the rejection of the warrant and his work as a legislative assistant, and claims suggesting this was a favor are unfounded.”

According to a report released that day, Judge Jeong’s son, Jeong Mo (22), worked as a legislative assistant in Nominee Kim’s office in the first half of 2024, just before enlisting in the military. Legislative assistants are a type of intern who support a lawmaker’s parliamentary and legislative activities within the office and typically work on a part-time, unpaid basis.

In December 2023, while serving as a judge specializing in arrest warrants at the Seoul Western District Court, Judge Jeong rejected an arrest warrant requested by prosecutors against Mr. Kang, the founder of the pharmaceutical company Genencell, on charges including breach of trust and obstruction of business. Prior to that, in February 2022, controversy arose when it was revealed that Nominee Kim had dined with Mr. Yang—who was identified as a broker involved in a new COVID-19 treatment—at a restaurant in Yeouido, Seoul.

According to reports, a recording from that time captured Nominee Kim asking Mr. Yang to come to the restaurant where Judge Jeong was present, referring to Judge Jeong as “my best buddy.” Nominee Kim and Judge Jeong are seniors and juniors, respectively, from Seoul National University College of Law and worked together at the Jeonju District Court in 2002.

The report noted that Candidate Kim’s camp had previously explained, “I merely ran into Chief Judge Jeong and Mr. Yang by chance at a private gathering that was made public; I have not met with or contacted them since.” Later in 2024, when it came to light that Judge Jeong’s son had worked in the lawmaker’s office, critics raised questions about whether the initial explanation was accurate. However, the fact that his son worked in the lawmaker’s office does not, by itself, confirm whether Nominee Kim and Judge Jeong were in direct contact or met during that period.

Regarding the relationship with Judge Jeong, the campaign team explained that day, “He is a fellow judge who previously worked with the nominee and with whom the nominee has continued to meet through various legal circles.” They added, “There has been no contact or discussion with Judge Jeong regarding specific cases.”

Furthermore, a legislative aide noted, “This is not a position that pays a formal salary beyond reimbursement for actual expenses,” and added, “We ask that you exercise caution in future reporting.” However, this statement did not include any specific details regarding the circumstances of Mr. Jeong’s selection or whether Nominee Kim and Judge Jeong had met after February 2022.