[Exclusive] "Deep Regret in Press Conference Statement" O Geodon Apology Letter Sparks 'Secondary Harm' Controversy

Victim of Oh Keo-don's Sexual Harassment "Regret Expressions That Weigh Severity"
"Clear Sexual Harassment... A Sex Crime Punishable by Law"
Oh Keo-don "Will Live in Repentance for Unnecessary Physical Contact"

On the morning of the 23rd, at Busan City Hall, Busan Mayor Oh Keo-don is seen shedding tears during a resignation press conference where he admitted to sexual harassment of a woman. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Seung-gon] On the 23rd, the female victim who was sexually harassed by former Busan Mayor Oh Keo-don expressed her position, stating, "I deeply regret certain phrases in Mayor Oh's press conference statement." Some parts of Oh Keo-don's press conference statement imply that he was unaware beforehand that his actions could be recognized as sexual violence, which could make the victim appear to be an overly sensitive person. Former Mayor Oh Keo-don has gone into hiding, not appearing since the press conference.

In a statement released through the Busan Sexual Violence Counseling Center that afternoon, the victim said, "During (Mayor Oh's resignation press conference), phrases like 'I realized it could be recognized as forced molestation' and 'regardless of severity' make me afraid that I might be seen as an 'excessive person.'"

She added, "There can be no distinction of severity in what happened there," and "I repeatedly requested to review the contents of the statement in advance due to these concerns, but it was not accepted, and the press conference was held suddenly at an unexpected time."

Regarding the incident's details, she explained, "Earlier this month, I was summoned by Mayor Oh's executive secretary. It was the first time. It was during working hours, and since it was said to be a work-related summons, I hurried to the office. There, I was sexually harassed," adding, "It was a clear case of sexual harassment and a sexual crime punishable by law."

She said, "I was very confused immediately after the incident. I was also scared, to be honest. I still am," and "Although I anticipated the ongoing personal attacks and absurd gossip reports, despite all these concerns, I demanded former Mayor Oh's resignation."

The victim also addressed the political interpretation of this incident, emphasizing, "There was no external pressure or inducement from the political sphere, and it is completely unrelated to any political calculation."

Busan Mayor Oh Keo-don held a press conference at Busan City Hall on the morning of the 23rd to announce his intention to resign from his position and to give a farewell address. Mayor Oh stated, "I have a remorseful statement to make. During a recent five-minute meeting with a female public official, there was unnecessary physical contact," and added, "I bow my head in apology."
[Image source=Yonhap News]

Earlier, former Mayor Oh held a press conference at Busan City Hall at 11 a.m. that day, stating, "I have truly shameful words to say," and "I intend to resign from the mayoral position as of today."

He continued, "During a brief meeting of about five minutes with one person, I made unnecessary physical contact," and "I realized that this could be recognized as forced molestation."

He added, "Regardless of severity, no words or actions can be forgiven," and "Carrying such wrongdoing while performing the mayoral duties entrusted by the citizens is not right," he said.

Former Mayor Oh said, "To ensure normal city administration during this difficult time, I will take all blame upon myself and seek forgiveness," and "As a public official, I will apologize to the victims and live the rest of my life with a repentant heart."

He choked up, saying, "I wanted to do well for Busan. I am deeply sorry to show such a shameful exit."

The full text of the victim's statement follows

I am the victim of former Mayor Oh Keo-don's sexual harassment case. I am an ordinary person like anyone else. I am an ordinary office worker who works hard while waiting for payday and vacation. Only now do I realize the value of the words ‘ordinary’ and ‘normal.’ Because this unexpected incident has completely shaken my life.

I will explain the details of the incident. Earlier this month, I was summoned by former Mayor Oh Keo-don's executive secretary. It was the first time. It was during working hours, and since it was said to be a work-related summons, I hurried to the office. There, I was sexually harassed.

I deeply regret certain phrases in former Mayor Oh's press conference statement today. There can be no distinction of severity in what happened there. It was a clear case of sexual harassment and a sexual crime punishable by law. Phrases like ‘I realized it could be recognized as forced molestation’ and ‘regardless of severity’ make me afraid that I might be seen as an ‘excessive person.’ I repeatedly requested to review the contents of the statement in advance due to these concerns, but it was not accepted, and the press conference was held suddenly at an unexpected time. I hope such expressions never appear again. Furthermore, I urge Busan City to establish fundamental measures to prevent sexual crimes and secondary damage.

I was very confused immediately after the incident. I was also scared, to be honest. I still am. I was not unprepared for the ongoing personal attacks and absurd gossip reports. Despite all these concerns, I demanded former Mayor Oh's resignation. Because that is common sense. The person who did wrong must be punished, and the victim must be protected?this is a very obvious reason.

There are movements to politically interpret this incident by linking it to the general election period. I clearly state that there was no external pressure or inducement from the political sphere, and it is completely unrelated to any political calculation. As a citizen who loves Busan very much, I sincerely hope this issue will not be politically exploited.

This incident is ‘former Mayor Oh Keo-don's sexual harassment.’ There is no need or reason to focus on the victim's personal information. I strongly demand that all reports specifying my personal information and unverified speculative reports stop. I especially express deep regret toward Busan Ilbo and Hankyoreh. If there are future media reports disclosing my personal information, I will take strong legal action against the media outlets involved.

I hope everything proceeds reasonably. I sincerely thank everyone who supports me.

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