Minister Lee Jung-ok of the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family: "Deeply Concerned About Secondary Damage... Fully Aware of Responsibility as the Lead Ministry"

Emergency Meeting of the Committee to Prevent Violence Against Women
Discussion of Measures with Attendance of 6 Private Members

Minister of Gender Equality and Family Lee Jung-ok is holding an emergency meeting with private members of the Committee for the Prevention of Violence Against Women at the Government Seoul Office in Jongno-gu, Seoul, on the 17th. This meeting was arranged to prevent secondary harm and recurrence of similar incidents following the sexual harassment allegations against the late former Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon. Photo by Moon Ho-nam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Hyun-joo] Lee Jung-ok, Minister of Gender Equality and Family, expressed deep concern over the serious secondary damage suffered by the victim in relation to the sexual harassment allegations against the late Park Won-soon, former Mayor of Seoul. She stated, "I cannot help but feel sorrowful when thinking about the mental pressure and psychological pain the victim is experiencing."

On the 17th at noon, Minister Lee held an emergency meeting of the Committee for the Prevention of Violence Against Women at the Government Seoul Office, saying, "Watching the recent sexual harassment and sexual violence incidents occurring in local governments and public institutions, as the minister in charge of preventing sexual harassment and violence and protecting victims, I feel heavy-hearted and deeply responsible." She added, "The victim's identity is being pressured to be revealed on SNS and the internet, and excessively detailed descriptions of the victim's situation are being circulated."

Furthermore, Minister Lee stated, "Since 2018, we have promoted supplementary measures to eradicate sexual harassment and sexual violence in the public sector, enhancing various legal systems for victim protection and perpetrator punishment, and established systematic frameworks by sector. However, we have confirmed the reality that victims still cannot report with peace of mind." She emphasized, "We will make every effort to supplement institutional shortcomings and ensure that these measures function properly in practice."

During the meeting, Minister Lee discussed measures to protect victims and prevent recurrence of similar incidents with civilian committee members. The meeting was attended by six civilian members, including Professor Lee Soo-jung of Kyonggi University, Jung Eun-ja, Chairperson of the National Sexual Violence Counseling Center Council, and Choi Geum-sook, Chairperson of the Korean Women's Associations United.

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