Democratic Party Unanimously Expels Former Busan Mayor Oh Keo-don... No Submission of Defense Materials

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy reporters Wondara and Jeon Jinyoung] The Democratic Party of Korea has decided to expel former Busan Mayor Oh Keo-don.

On the afternoon of the 27th, Lim Chae-gyun, head of the Democratic Party's Ethics Committee, met with reporters immediately after the Ethics Committee meeting held at the party headquarters regarding former Mayor Oh and said, "The matter is extremely serious and the individual has admitted to it, so we resolved to expel him."

When asked if the decision was unanimous, Chairman Lim replied, "Yes." When asked if the expulsion would be finalized after a week due to the appeal process, he said, "The expulsion has been finalized."

Regarding whether former Mayor Oh submitted any defense, he answered, "No defense materials were submitted. He gave up."

Earlier that day, Lee Hae-chan, leader of the Democratic Party, said at the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly, "I apologize as the party leader to the victims, the citizens of Busan, and the public for the fact that a Busan mayor from the Democratic Party committed an unforgivable act and resigned."

He added, "The party's Ethics Committee will initiate strict disciplinary procedures. We will accelerate the systematization and mandatory implementation of gender-sensitivity education for elected and senior party officials. Once again, I apologize to the public for causing concern."

Meanwhile, former Mayor Oh resigned from his position on the 23rd after admitting to sexually harassing his secretary. On the 24th, civic groups Seomin Minsaeng Countermeasures Committee and Halbindan filed complaints against former Mayor Oh with the Seoul Southern District Prosecutors' Office and Busan District Prosecutors' Office, respectively, on charges including sexual harassment using his authority. The Busan Police Agency has received the complaints from the prosecutors and has begun an investigation. However, the victim of former Mayor Oh's sexual harassment has not yet announced plans to file a formal complaint, fearing secondary harm.

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