Sexual Harassment Case: Kim Jong-cheol, Justice Party Leader, Resigns... "I Will Accept Severe Punishment" (Comprehensive)

Baek Bok-ju, Vice Leader of the Justice Party, to Announce 'Statement on Kim Jong-chul's Sexual Harassment Incident' on the 25th

Kim Jong-cheol, Leader of the Justice Party / Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Kum Boryeong] Kim Jong-cheol, leader of the Justice Party, was suspended from his position due to an incident of sexual harassment against fellow party member Jang Hye-young.

Bae Bok-joo, vice representative in charge of the Gender and Human Rights Headquarters at the Justice Party, issued a statement on the morning of the 25th at the National Assembly titled "Statement Regarding the Sexual Harassment Incident Involving Leader Kim Jong-cheol." Kim immediately announced his resignation from the leadership position.

In the statement, Vice Representative Bae said, "I am deeply ashamed and distressed to inform party members and the public of this news. The sexual harassment incident involving Justice Party leader Kim Jong-cheol occurred on the 15th," adding, "The victim is party-affiliated National Assembly member Jang Hye-young." As head of the party's Gender and Human Rights Headquarters, Bae conducted a confidential investigation into the incident for a week starting from the 18th, upon the victim's request, and reported it for the first time at the leadership meeting held that day.

According to Vice Representative Bae, on the evening of the 15th, Leader Kim had dinner with Assembly member Jang in Yeouido for a party-related meeting. After the meeting, the sexual harassment incident occurred, and Jang informed Vice Representative Bae of the incident on the 18th. The Justice Party conducted an investigation through multiple interviews with both the victim and the perpetrator.

Vice Representative Bae explained, "This is an indisputable and clear case of sexual harassment. The perpetrator, Leader Kim, has admitted to all the facts," and added, "I can say that no further investigation is necessary to confirm the facts." At the Justice Party leadership meeting held that day, it was decided to refer the case to the Central Party Disciplinary Committee as part of the party's disciplinary procedures, and Leader Kim was suspended from his position according to party regulations.

Baek Bok-ju, Vice Representative of the Justice Party, and Jeong Ho-jin, Chief Spokesperson, are explaining and apologizing on the 25th at the National Assembly Communication Hall regarding the resignation of Representative Kim Jong-chul due to sexual harassment. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

Regarding the incident, Assembly member Jang said, "Politics is about communicating values with citizens based on one's true experiences. I am truly afraid of the unjust secondary harm that may come to me by disclosing the victimization. However, what I fear more is losing myself," adding, "If the victim, who is also a National Assembly member, is separated and the victimization is hidden forever under the pretext of protecting the victim, I will, on the contrary, be trapped in this incident forever. Therefore, I want to talk about the pain I have experienced and truly be free from this issue. I want to return to my daily life in politics."

Leader Kim issued a statement acknowledging the facts. He said, "My unforgivable sexual harassment caused the victim great pain," and apologized repeatedly.

Leader Kim stated, "Regarding my responsibility, I have decided to discipline myself in three ways," explaining, "I will resign from the party leadership, complete sexual harassment and sexual violence prevention education, and submit myself to the Justice Party Disciplinary Committee to receive strict disciplinary action from the party."

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