▲ Justice Minister nominee Kim Seung-won leaves a National Assembly building in western Seoul after announcing his withdrawal from candidacy on Sept. 19, 2026. (Yonhap)

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SEOUL, Sept. 19 (Yonhap) -- Justice Minister nominee Kim Seung-won said Saturday he would withdraw his candidacy amid controversy over various allegations, including lobbying for a COVID-19 treatment.

The two-term ruling Democratic Party lawmaker made the announcement, a day after President Lee Jae Myung said he would make a decision on his appointment by considering the public's expectations.

"After deep deliberations, I decided to withdraw my candidacy as justice minister," Kim said in a press conference at the National Assembly. "I accept with a heavy heart that I did not meet the people's expectations and will deeply reflect on my shortcomings."

The move comes after a parliamentary committee adopted his confirmation hearing report Thursday amid objections from the main opposition People Power Party over the allegations.

Since his nomination on Aug. 30, Kim has faced accusations of illegally lobbying the food and drug safety ministry to speed up clinical trials for a COVID-19 treatment in 2021. He has denied any illegal wrongdoing.

The presidential office said it respected Kim's decision in a press notice.

Kim's withdrawal comes after Gender Minister nominee Yong Hye-in announced her withdrawal from consideration on Sunday amid growing criticism over her plan to retain her proportional representation parliamentary seat if appointed.

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