On the Same Day as the Decision to "Field a By-election Candidate," Gender Violence and Ethics Reporting Counseling Center Begins Operation

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeon Jin-young] The Democratic Party of Korea decided on the 2nd to field candidates in the Seoul and Busan mayoral by-elections scheduled for April next year. On the same day, the party also announced the launch of its permanent internal organization, the Gender Violence and Ethics Reporting Counseling Center. Since next year's by-elections are being held due to the accountability of local government heads affiliated with the Democratic Party facing sexual harassment allegations, this move appears to demonstrate the party's determination to overcome the situation.

The Gender Violence Reporting Counseling Center primarily handles victim counseling, investigations, and monitoring of implementation related to sexual harassment and sexual violence committed by party members. The center will be headed by Democratic Party lawmaker Lee Su-jin. In a press release, the Democratic Party stated, "Based on our experience verifying candidates related to gender violence in the 2018 local elections and the 2020 general elections, we will continue to strive to improve gender discrimination within the party and eradicate sexual violence."

The Ethics Reporting Center, a direct organization under the Ethics Inspection Team led by lawmaker Choi Ki-sang, is responsible for receiving reports related to corruption and gender violence involving elected officials and key party officials affiliated with the party. Lawmaker Choi emphasized, "With the opening of the online Ethics Reporting Center, we will actively respond to the public's interest and expectations and do our best to become a trusted party that meets the public's standards."

Democratic Party leader Lee Nak-yeon said at the Supreme Council meeting that morning, "I thank the party members who understood the necessity of this unavoidable decision," but added, "Just because the party members' will has been united does not mean that the Democratic Party is absolved of the fault for causing administrative vacancies in Seoul and Busan and holding by-elections."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Leader Lee also said, "I repeatedly apologize to the victims," and stated the purpose of operating the centers: "I am well aware that for an apology to be sincere, it must be followed by action. Today, the Democratic Party is opening the Ethics Reporting Center and the Gender Violence Reporting Counseling Center to investigate and take follow-up measures regarding sexual misconduct and corruption involving elected officials and key party officials affiliated with the party."

The Democratic Party decided to nominate candidates for the by-elections with 86.64% approval in a party-wide vote held over two days on the 31st of last month and the 1st of this month. Accordingly, the party plans to amend the current party constitution, which states, "If an elected official affiliated with the party loses their position due to serious misconduct such as corruption, the party will not recommend a candidate in the corresponding electoral district," by adding a proviso that "this can be otherwise decided by a party-wide vote." Chief spokesperson Choi In-ho emphasized in a briefing that day, "The overwhelming approval rate expresses the will of all party members that candidates should be nominated in the by-elections."

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