"Heartbroken" vs "Concerns of Secondary Harm" Over Park Won-soon’s Death News, Divided Public Opinion

Park Won-soon's 'Sexual Harassment Allegation' Lawsuit Case Closed Due to 'Lack of Prosecution Rights'
Political Shock Over Park Won-soon's Death News
Concerns Over 'Secondary Harm' to the Accuser in Some Circles

The late Park Won-soon, Mayor of Seoul. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Heo Midam] Park Won-soon, the Mayor of Seoul, who was found dead after being reported missing for about seven hours, was recently accused of sexual harassment by a former secretary. The background behind Mayor Park's extreme decision has not yet been confirmed. However, considering that there had been no other notable external issues until now, it appears that this incident may have had an impact.

In particular, the MeToo allegations against Mayor Park have caused a stir as they contrast sharply with his previous efforts to advocate for women's rights. Some have pointed out that Mayor Park's extreme decision could lead to 'secondary victimization' of the accuser.

According to the police on the 10th, former secretary A filed a complaint against Mayor Park on the 8th, alleging that she was sexually harassed by him.

According to A's statement, Mayor Park had continuously sexually harassed her since she started working as his secretary in 2017, and in addition to physical contact, he reportedly sent personal photos multiple times via mobile phone messenger.

However, with Mayor Park found dead on the same day, A's complaint case will be closed due to 'lack of prosecutorial rights.'

On the morning of the 10th, the ambulance carrying the body of Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon arrived in front of the Emergency Medical Center at Seoul National University Hospital in Jongno-gu, Seoul. [Image source=Yonhap News]

The political circles have not been able to hide their bewilderment at the news of Mayor Park's death.

Kim Du-kwan, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, paid tribute to the deceased early that morning on his Facebook, saying, "I sincerely pray for the repose of the deceased." Kim Yong-min, also from the same party, wrote on his Facebook, "It is hard to believe and very sad. I sincerely pray for the repose of the deceased," adding, "He lived a giant-like life for the Republic of Korea and Seoul."

Kim Jong-chul, spokesperson for the Justice Party, also mourned him in a statement. Kim said, "Mayor Park was found dead near Bukhansan Mountain," calling it "a truly bewildering and tragic event." He continued, "Reflecting on the deceased's life as a democratization activist, civic activist, and administrator, I am filled only with sorrow," and expressed his condolences to the bereaved family, saying, "I sincerely pray for the repose of the deceased and extend my deepest condolences to the family."

The opposition party showed a similar reaction. Kim Eun-hye, spokesperson for the United Future Party, issued a brief verbal statement saying, "It is very unfortunate. I pray for the repose of the deceased." Choi Hyung-doo, the party's floor spokesperson, also said, "My heart is heavy with this shocking news."

However, voices expressing concern over secondary harm to A are growing. Former United Future Party candidate Kim Dae-ho wrote on Facebook that day, "I do not want to offer the insincere phrase 'I sincerely pray for the repose of the deceased,'" and demanded, "Please do not cover this up with 'lack of prosecutorial rights,' but thoroughly reveal the truth of the case."

Judge Ryu Young-jae of Daegu District Court also stated, "Since it has been confirmed that there was a complaint against the deceased, I will block those who spread secondary harm or conspiracy theories against the complainant (victim)." He added, "This does not mean I assume the complaint is true. However, I believe secondary harm, especially spreading conspiracy theories against the complainant, should not be allowed," cautioning against secondary victimization of the accuser.

The late Park Won-soon, Mayor of Seoul. [Image source=Yonhap News]

Meanwhile, Mayor Park had consistently worked hard for women's rights. In 1993, he took on the 'Seoul National University Assistant Professor Case,' known as Korea's first sexual harassment trial, and secured a guilty verdict, later working as a human rights lawyer. This case led to the recognition in Korean society that 'sexual harassment is an illegal act.'

Also, the last sentence in the complaint written by Mayor Park at the time became a topic of discussion. It read, "Children at the lakeside throw stones playfully and hit frogs. Although the children are playing, the frogs suffer fatal damage." Mayor Park donated the 'Women's Movement Award of the Year' prize money he received from this case to the Korean Women's Associations United.

Mayor Park also emphasized being a women-friendly leader during his lifetime. In January 2017, at the 'New Year's Meeting with Seoul City Women Leaders,' he said, "Femininity is 'Wonsun-ness,'" adding, "I will be a force that changes the world."

In November last year, he attended the '2019 Seoul International Care Expo' and said, "Three years ago, I cried and felt despair after reading the book 'Kim Ji-young, Born 1982,'" adding, "Currently, in the Republic of Korea, childcare and care are solely burdens on individuals and families, especially women. The public and the state must take responsibility."

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