"Oh Se-hoon Apologizes to Sexual Harassment Victims... A Matter for the Sons and Daughters of Korea"

Online Citizen Inquiry: "Heartbroken Watching Victims Unable to Control Emotions While Meeting Them"
"Promise to Return to Work Will Be Kept"

The 38th Seoul Mayor online inauguration ceremony was held on the morning of the 22nd at the DDP video studio 'Seoul-On' in Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul. Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon is answering questions from citizens submitted via YouTube. 20210422/ Photo by Joint Press Corps

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon has once again apologized for the sexual harassment incident involving the late former Mayor Park Won-soon.

On the 22nd, Mayor Oh responded to a citizen's question asking "Why did you apologize for that incident?" during the inauguration ceremony held at the Seoul-On video studio in Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP), Euljiro, Seoul, saying, "It is, in a way, natural to apologize to the citizens and the public for causing concern over an incident that occurred in Seoul City," and added, "I met the victim ten days ago, and she said she had never received a proper apology, which made me reflect deeply."

He continued, "While meeting her, I saw the victim unable to control her emotions, shedding tears and running nose, which broke my heart," and added, "I believe it is my duty to ensure that she can return to work as if nothing happened, and that promise will be kept."

Mayor Oh also attributed the significance of the sexual harassment incident to possibly being an issue concerning all sons and daughters of the Republic of Korea.

He said, "This is not just an incident experienced by one woman but could be an issue for all sons and daughters of Korea," and added, "A mature society of fairness and coexistence that we want to build in Korea is one where people can return to their daily lives and continue their work even after experiencing such incidents."

On the 20th, Mayor Oh also issued an official apology during a briefing and announced follow-up measures such as the immediate implementation of a 'one-strike-out policy' and the operation of a 'dedicated special task force.' He stated, "As the current mayor representing Seoul City, I sincerely apologize for the sexual harassment and sexual violence incidents that occurred during the tenure of the former mayor."

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