Seoul: Prime Minister nominee Kim Min-seok on Monday denied allegations that he received illegal political funds during his campaign for Seoul mayor in 2002. The case centers on allegations that he received 200 million won (US$146,500) in illegal political funds from SK Group. Kim was convicted of the charge and sentenced to a suspended prison term in addition to a forfeit of 200 million won.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Kim described the situation as a targeted investigation by political prosecutors, questioning the clarity of who demanded the political funds and the reasons behind it. "The essence of my Political Funds Act case is the targeted investigation of the political prosecution," Kim stated on his Facebook page. He further claimed that his party solicited corporate donations for his campaign without his knowledge, leading to his being held accountable for not issuing a receipt.

Kim also addressed other allegations, including claims that he introduced a bill in the National Assembly that was written by his son as a high school club activity. His son reportedly included this activity in his application to Cornell University. Additionally, Kim refuted allegations of special favors in his son's internship application process at the University of Hong Kong, stating that no outside assistance was involved.