Kim Geun-sik "Park Won-soon Defamation of the Deceased? ... Sexual Harassment Investigation Should Precede"

Professor Kim Geun-sik, Kyungnam University / Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Lim Juhyung] Regarding the late Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon's accusation of sexual harassment, Kim Geun-sik, a professor at Gyeongnam National University, rebutted Democratic Party lawmaker Jin Seong-jun's claim that treating Mayor Park as a sexual harassment perpetrator as a given fact constitutes 'defamation of the deceased,' stating that "a prior investigation into the sexual harassment allegations is necessary."

On the 13th, Professor Kim wrote on his Facebook, "There is a clear difference between mourning Mayor Park's death and arrogantly denying the sexual harassment allegations against him simply because of his death," expressing this view.

He continued, "The ruling party leader's outburst of profanity, the Democratic Party banners saying 'We will remember your will,' and praise from ruling party figures calling him a 'pure person' already reveal a political intention within some parts of the current ruling party to go beyond simple mourning and push toward exonerating and glorifying Mayor Park," adding, "The 'condolence politics' that heroizes Mayor Park because of his death is, in fact, a form of self-harm."

He further stated, "Since Lawmaker Jin claims it is defamation of the deceased, the sexual harassment allegations must be thoroughly investigated to prove this," and pointed out, "If Jin wants to clarify defamation of the deceased, he must file a complaint against a specific individual."

On the same day, Lawmaker Jin appeared on a radio broadcast in the morning and argued, "While there may be issues raised depending on judgment, treating Mayor Park as the (sexual harassment) perpetrator as a given fact constitutes defamation of the deceased."

When asked whether such claims could constitute secondary harm from the accuser's perspective, he responded, "I find it difficult to agree," and said, "Offering condolences or expressing mourning is a voluntary choice based on one's own will, and that itself should be acknowledged and respected."

He added, "If necessary, investigations can be conducted on controversial issues," and said, "The question of whether the truth can be revealed in a situation where the person accused is absent or deceased still remains."

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