Eunpyeong-gu Reviews Claim for Damages Against Mom Unit Leader Ju Ok-sun

Representative Joo files a complaint with the Western District Prosecutors' Office against Eunpyeong-gu Mayor... Considering claim for damages and defamation against Eunpyeong-gu Representative Joo

[Asia Economy Reporter Jong-il Park] Eunpyeong-gu (Mayor Kim Mi-kyung) is reportedly considering claiming damages against Joo Ok-soon, the representative of the Mom Unit, who on the 27th filed a complaint with the Seoul Western District Prosecutors' Office against Mayor Kim Mi-kyung of Eunpyeong-gu for defamation and disclosure of official secrets, alleging that her real name and movements were publicly disclosed on the internet during a media interview.

Earlier, on the 22nd, during the process of promptly informing residents about confirmed COVID-19 cases, the name of a confirmed patient from another city or province (Joo Ok-soon) was mistakenly exposed on the Eunpyeong-gu Office blog, which was immediately corrected upon confirmation. The district has already clarified that the exposure of the contact's name was entirely unintentional and a simple mistake by the person in charge.

Following Joo's complaint, Eunpyeong-gu plans to sincerely cooperate with the investigation. Separately, the district is reviewing measures to claim damages for the costs incurred in quarantine and epidemiological investigations, as well as compensation for the mental and physical efforts of staff involved in testing and quarantine, damages for infringement of residents' health rights, and financial losses caused by the economic downturn in the region. This is due to the aftermath of the Gwanghwamun rally, which Joo herself actively participated in, threatening not only the health of Eunpyeong residents but also disrupting their ordinary lives.

Regarding Joo Ok-soon's statement that “Mayor Kim Mi-kyung of Eunpyeong-gu disclosed her real name to curry favor with President Moon Jae-in,” the district is also examining whether this constitutes defamation by spreading false information.

Mayor Kim Mi-kyung of Eunpyeong-gu stated, “Yesterday, amid preparations for residents' safety due to a typhoon with maximum wind speeds, despite the temperature feeling over 40°C and the difficulty of breathing while wearing protective suits, our staff silently conducted specimen tests for about 800 people in a day. Over several months, more than 1,400 Eunpyeong-gu employees and 490,000 residents have endured and worked hard to prevent the spread of COVID-19, but they are suffering again due to confirmed cases originating from the Sarang Jeil Church and the Gwanghwamun rally.” She added, “We will thoroughly review all possible measures to hold Joo Ok-soon accountable.”

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