[Comprehensive] "Led the way in human rights and gender equality"... Political circles 'uproar' over the 'Kim Jong-cheol sexual harassment' incident

與 "Difficult to Gauge Public Shock"
野 "Must Strive to Prevent Secondary Damage"
Justice Party "Will Take Time for Deep Reflection"

Kim Jong-cheol, leader of the Justice Party, who resigned from the party leadership on the 25th due to a sexual harassment incident involving party member Jang Hye-young. / Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Ju-hyung] A political scandal is spreading after Kim Jong-cheol, leader of the Justice Party, was suspended from his position following allegations of sexual harassment against fellow party member Jang Hye-young. The incident has dealt a significant blow to the Justice Party, which has been focusing heavily on gender issues such as gender equality and women's human rights. Both ruling and opposition parties have urged the Justice Party to respond swiftly, emphasizing the need for a 'zero-tolerance policy.'

On the 25th, Choi In-ho, chief spokesperson of the Democratic Party of Korea, stated in a written comment regarding the sexual harassment case involving Kim, "This is a sexual harassment incident committed not by just anyone, but by the leader of a public party," adding, "It is beyond shocking and truly appalling."

He continued, "The Justice Party must take action based on a zero-tolerance principle and ensure that no further harm occurs."

Choi expressed concern, saying, "The Justice Party has been at the forefront of advocating for gender issues, human rights, and gender equality values. Given the party's image until now, it is difficult to gauge the extent of public shock caused by this incident. The repercussions will be even greater moving forward."

Bae Bok-ju, Vice President and Head of the Gender and Human Rights Headquarters of the Justice Party, is bowing her head while announcing the decisions made at the leadership meeting regarding the sexual harassment incident involving Party Leader Kim Jong-chul during an emergency press conference held at the National Assembly Communication Office in Yeouido, Seoul, on the morning of the 25th. / Photo by Yonhap News

The main opposition party, People Power Party, also called for a strong response from the Justice Party on the same day, emphasizing the need to prevent secondary harm to the victim.

Bae Jun-young, spokesperson for the People Power Party, said in a statement, "Because the Justice Party has been leading efforts to realize human rights and gender equality, the resignation of Kim Jong-cheol in connection with the sexual harassment case is even more shocking."

He added, "It is bewildering that at a time when hundreds of millions of won of taxpayers' money must be spent on by-elections in Seoul and Busan due to misconduct related to sexual matters, the perpetrator is the leader of a public party and the victim is a member of the National Assembly."

He emphasized, "It is natural that former leader Kim Jong-cheol acknowledges all facts and accepts appropriate punishment. The Justice Party must strive to take proper measures against the perpetrator and prevent the spread of secondary harm to the victim."

Vice President Bae is wiping tears while announcing the decisions of the leadership meeting regarding the sexual harassment case involving Party Leader Kim. / Photo by Yonhap News

Meanwhile, the Justice Party held an emergency press conference at the National Assembly on the same day to disclose the sexual harassment incident involving Kim.

At the press conference, Bae Bok-joo, deputy leader and head of the Justice Party's Gender and Human Rights Headquarters, stated, "The sexual harassment incident involving Kim Jong-cheol occurred on January 15, and the victim is party member Jang Hye-young."

She explained, "Kim had a meal with Jang in Yeouido for a party business meeting, and the sexual harassment occurred on the way out. After much deliberation, on the 18th, Jang informed me, as head of the Gender and Human Rights Headquarters, about the incident."

She added, "The Justice Party leadership decided at a meeting to file a disciplinary complaint with the Central Party Ethics Committee, and in accordance with party regulations, Kim Jong-cheol was suspended from his position." Deputy leader Bae wiped away tears as she continued her statement.

She apologized, saying, "To all party members who cherish and love the Justice Party, and to the public, I sincerely apologize. We will take a time for deep reflection. No matter what happens, the party will uphold gender sensitivity and take the lead in sincerely resolving this issue."

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