"'Apology for Unnecessary Physical Contact' Japanese Media Focus on 'Forced Molestation' and Oh Keo-don's Resignation"

"Served as Minister of Oceans and Fisheries during the Roh Moo-hyun administration"

On the 23rd, the Japanese media outlet "Kyodo News" reported on Busan Mayor Oh Keo-don, who expressed his intention to resign on the same day. / Photo by Kyodo News website capture

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Lim Juhyung] Busan Mayor Oh Keo-don held a press conference on the 23rd and abruptly announced his intention to resign, with some Japanese media also reporting on the incident.

On that day, the Japanese media outlet 'Kyodo News' reported, "Mayor Oh apologized for 'unnecessary physical contact' during the press conference and expressed his intention to resign."

The outlet explained, "Mayor Oh judged that his actions might constitute forced molestation, and the victim was a female public official."

It added, "Mayor Oh was elected in the June 2018 local elections as a candidate from the ruling party 'The Minjoo Party of Korea' during the Moon Jae-in administration," and "He also served as Minister of Oceans and Fisheries during the Roh Moo-hyun administration."

On the same day, 'Tokyo Shimbun' also reported on the incident, stating, "(Mayor Oh) admitted to inappropriate behavior during a five-minute meeting but avoided providing specific details."

Meanwhile, at the press conference held at 11 a.m. that day, Mayor Oh stated, "During a recent five-minute meeting with one person, there was unnecessary physical contact," and "I bow my head and apologize."

He continued, "I understand that my actions, regardless of severity, are unforgivable by any words," and "Carrying such faults and continuing to serve as mayor entrusted by the great citizens of Busan is not right."

He added, "As a public official, I will live the rest of my life taking responsibility, apologizing, and repenting, carrying this fault with me forever," and "I ask citizens to protect the victim from suffering further harm."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.