'Hwalbindan on Kim Jong-cheol Sexual Harassment Accusation: "Punishment Is Necessary to Prevent Recurrence of Such Incidents"'

Press Conference at Seoul Police Agency on the Morning of the 1st Before the First Complainant Investigation
Hwalbindan States "We Comfort the Victims but Those Guilty Must Be Punished"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoo Byung-don] A civic group that reported allegations of sexual harassment against former Justice Party leader Kim Jong-chul urged a clear police investigation, stating, "If there is any illegal act, punishment according to the law should be imposed."

On the morning of the 1st, the conservative civic group Halbindan held a press conference in front of the Hanwha Building in Jung-gu, Seoul, where the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency's Special Investigation Team for Crimes Against Women is located, ahead of the first complainant investigation, and claimed, "To prevent such incidents from recurring, Justice Party lawmaker Jang Hye-young and former leader Kim should thoroughly cooperate with the investigative authorities, which would align with the justice that the Justice Party speaks of."

They added, "The sexual harassment allegations against the Justice Party leader are not merely an issue between the perpetrator and the victim but a social problem," and "If Kim’s sexual harassment allegations are clear as claimed by lawmaker Jang but go unpunished, it would be shameful for a country governed by the rule of law."

Halbindan also stated, "Our organization has filed complaints and held protest demonstrations whenever incidents of sexual misconduct or abuse of power occurred, regardless of party affiliation or status, including former Chungnam Governor Ahn Hee-jung, former Busan Mayor Oh Keo-don, former Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon, and conservative party lawmakers."

Earlier, it was revealed through the Justice Party’s investigation that former leader Kim sexually harassed lawmaker Jang after having a meal meeting with her in Yeouido, Seoul, on the 15th of last month.

Lawmaker Jang, who expressed her intention not to proceed with a sexual harassment complaint, showed discomfort regarding Halbindan’s report, saying, "I regret that the victim’s position was not respected," and requested, "I ask for understanding that the party also respected my feelings as the victim and my decision not to file a criminal complaint."

Meanwhile, the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency has classified the case as one of high public interest and transferred the case reported to the Yeongdeungpo Police Station on the 26th of last month to their direct investigation. Seoul Metropolitan Police Chief Jang Ha-yeon explained at a press briefing that "after completing the complainant investigation, we will confirm the victim’s willingness to participate in the investigation."

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