[Comprehensive] From Party Leader Sexual Harassment to Unfair Dismissal Controversy... Crisis of the Justice Party

Controversies Continue with Kim Jong-cheol Sexual Harassment and Ryu Ho-jeong Secretary's Unfair Dismissal Allegations
Justice Party "Will Not Nominate Candidates for Seoul and Busan Mayoral By-elections"
"We Repeatedly Promise to Devote Efforts to Party Reform"

Ryu Ho-jeong, a member of the Justice Party, is attending the plenary session held at the National Assembly on the 1st. / Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Juhyung] The Justice Party is facing difficulties amid a series of controversies. Following internal turmoil caused by the party leader's sexual harassment incident, Ryu Hojung, the party's youngest member of the National Assembly, has been embroiled in allegations of so-called 'unfair dismissal of a secretary.'

The allegations of unfair dismissal against Ryu surfaced on the 29th of last month. At that time, Justice Party member Shin Mo claimed on Facebook, "I demand Ryu's resignation from the National Assembly," and argued, "In the process of dismissing the secretary, the usual notice period was not observed, and the dismissal was notified only seven days in advance, violating labor laws."

In response, Ryu stated at the time, "There was a procedural mistake in notifying the dismissal," but also explained, "We were in the process of reaching an agreement with the involved party, and the misunderstanding has been resolved."

However, as suspicions against Ryu continued despite this explanation, the Justice Party held an emergency meeting on the 1st, emphasizing, "We will prepare solutions to ensure that no one is unfairly treated."

On the 4th, Ryu again addressed the unfair dismissal allegations. On that day, Ryu clarified that "National Assembly aides are not subject to the Labor Standards Act or the National Public Officials Act," asserting the allegations were unfounded, but bowed his head saying, "I hope you can forgive my misjudgment in believing this could be quietly resolved."

He added, "I am always noisy due to my shortcomings. I apologize for causing concern amid the party's chaotic situation," and stated, "I will carefully examine whether there is any unfairness or wrongdoing around me through this incident."

Former Justice Party Leader Kim Jong-cheol Resigned from Party Leader Position Due to Sexual Harassment Incident / Photo by Yonhap News

This is not the first time the Justice Party has been embroiled in controversy. Previously, former Justice Party leader Kim Jongcheol was suspended from his position after sexually harassing a fellow party member, causing a stir in the political world.

On the 25th of last month, Bae Bokju, the Justice Party's Deputy Leader and Head of the Gender and Human Rights Bureau, held an emergency press conference at the National Assembly to reveal Kim's sexual harassment incident. She stated, "The sexual harassment incident involving Kim occurred on January 15, and the victim is Justice Party member Jang Hyeyoung."

She continued, "At the time, Kim had a meal with Jang in Yeouido for a party business meeting, and the incident occurred on the way out," explaining, "After much deliberation, Jang informed me, as the Head of the Gender and Human Rights Bureau, about the incident on the 18th." Prior to the press conference, the Justice Party held a leadership meeting, decided to file a complaint with the Central Party Disciplinary Committee, and suspended Kim from his position according to party regulations.

The political community criticized the incident as "shocking." It was predicted that the Justice Party, which has been vocal on issues such as human rights, gender, and gender equality, would suffer significant damage.

Bae Bok-ju, Vice Representative of the Justice Party, is shedding tears while explaining the resignation of Representative Kim Jong-chul due to sexual harassment at the National Assembly Communication Hall on the 25th of last month. / Photo by Yonhap News

At the time, the Democratic Party of Korea criticized Kim's sexual harassment incident, saying, "It is a sexual harassment incident committed not by just anyone but by the leader of a public party," and added, "Given the Justice Party's image so far, the shock to the public from this incident is unimaginable."

Voices of criticism also came from opposition parties. Lee Jongbae, Policy Committee Chair of the People Power Party, strongly criticized, saying, "The Janus-faced hypocrisy of someone who advocates human rights and progressiveness in public but commits despicable acts behind the scenes comes to mind."

Amid growing controversy, the Justice Party decided not to field candidates in the upcoming April 7 Seoul and Busan mayoral by-elections. This is interpreted as taking responsibility for the party leader's resignation due to sexual harassment.

On the 3rd, Justice Party Chief Spokesperson Jeong Hojin said in a briefing, "We have caused great concern to the public due to the sexual harassment incident involving former leader Kim," and stated, "We judged that not nominating candidates is upholding the fundamental principle of responsible politics and fulfilling our public promise to reform as a political party."

He added, "We apologize again and promise once more to devote ourselves to party reform."

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