"‘Truth Must Be Revealed in Mayor Park Won-soon's Sexual Harassment Allegations’... 288 Civic Groups Launch Joint Action"

Launch of Joint Response Marking 100 Days Since Mayor Park Won-soon's Accusation

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Jung-yoon, Intern Reporter Gong Byung-sun] Civic groups have launched a joint action demanding the truth be uncovered regarding the sexual harassment allegations against the late Park Won-soon, former Mayor of Seoul, and calling for the eradication of workplace gender discrimination culture.

The Joint Action on the Seoul Mayor's Power Sexual Violence Case, organized by 288 civic groups including Korea Women's Hotline and Korea Sexual Violence Counseling Center, held a launch press conference in front of Seoul City Hall on the 15th. They stated, "To prevent the 'Seoul Mayor Power Sexual Violence Case' from recurring, improvement measures for workplaces free from gender discrimination and sexual violence must be established," adding, "Therefore, women's rights organizations and civil society groups have formed this joint action to continuously respond and advocate for integrated solutions."

They continued, "Sexual violence by elected high-ranking public officials, representatives of the people, and politicians has accumulated over time," emphasizing, "We cannot give up on uncovering the truth and preventing recurrence, and the organizational culture of sexual harassment, gender discrimination, and gender roles must fundamentally change."

The joint action was launched with the goals of ▲ uncovering the truth of the Seoul Mayor power sexual violence case and responding to secondary harm ▲ checking the power of local governments and promoting gender-equal democracy ▲ eradicating workplace sexual harassment and gender discrimination culture.

At the press conference, a statement from victim A, who accused former Mayor Park of sexual harassment, was read aloud. A said, "I have been moving residences amid anxiety and threats concerning my personal information," adding, "Even after moving, I suffer from ongoing secondary harm and despair that I may never be able to live a normal life again."

She continued, "Amid the difficulties of uncovering the truth and the increasingly cruel environment of secondary harm, I feel helpless and despair, but thanks to the support gathered for me, I find strength," and "I also feel a hopeful heart for the many changes that will come through the support of those standing with me."

Kim Ji-eun, who exposed the sexual assault by former Chungnam Governor Ahn Hee-jung, also delivered a statement reading, "Seeing the reality that the victim of the Park Won-soon case is experiencing gives me a sense of d?j? vu as if the past is repeating," adding, "It is difficult to find protection for workers' daily lives, strict judgment of facts, criticism of secondary perpetrators, and support for allies."

Kim added, "I cannot fully comprehend the depth of pain only the victim can know, but as someone who has experienced similar incidents, I convey my steadfast solidarity and unwavering support."

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