Citizen Group Says "Park Narae Is Innocent"...Netizens Debate Police Investigation Over 'Sexual Harassment Controversy'

Open Net Urges Dismissal of Charges Against Park Narae, Saying "Sexual Harassment Not Established"
Amid Criticism Calling It "Clear Sexual Harassment," Some Point Out "Police Investigation Is Excessive"

Comedian Park Na-rae. / Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Juhee] Amid an ongoing police investigation into comedian Park Narae's sexual harassment controversy, a civic group has stepped forward, declaring "Park Narae is innocent" and urging for a dismissal of charges. Among netizens, heated debates over the police investigation into Park have also intensified.

As the police have launched an investigation into comedian Park Na-rae's 'sexual harassment controversy,' a civic group has called for Park to be cleared of charges.
/Photo by Open Net homepage screenshot

The internet civic movement group 'Open Net' released a statement on the 7th, saying, "It cannot be considered that broadcaster Park Narae violated the law, nor is it clear that there is any social harm," adding, "Rather, her bold attempts to expand sexual discourse and enhance the sexual agency of marginalized women should be positively recognized and protected."

The group pointed out, "From a legal standpoint, Park Narae's actions cannot be established as sexual harassment," and "Potential viewers who cannot be specifically identified as concrete individuals, or those who might feel discomfort watching the video, cannot be considered victims of sexual harassment, as in Park Narae's case."

They continued, "Park Narae has aimed to secure women's sexual agency by promoting 19+ comedy for adult women, thereby expanding the narrowly and biasedly constructed sexual discourse," and "Separating Park Narae's recent performance from this context and threatening it with the possibility of criminal punishment for unclear reasons stifles meaningful attempts. The incorporated association Open Net strongly urges judicial authorities to promptly dismiss the charges."

Earlier, on March 23, Park was embroiled in controversy for making sexual depictions and sexually harassing remarks using a male doll on the YouTube channel Studio Waffle's web entertainment show 'Hey Narae.'

This sparked a flood of criticism from netizens, with comments such as "clear sexual harassment" and "uncomfortable to watch."

One viewer filed a complaint through the National Petition System, requesting an investigation into Park for violating the Information and Communications Network Act by distributing illegal information, and the police are reported to have recently accepted the complaint and begun an investigation.

Among some netizens, reactions like "If a man had done this to a female doll, he would have been criticized more" surfaced, suggesting the controversy might be escalating into a gender conflict.

On the other hand, some argued that the police investigation into Park was excessive. One netizen commented, "It's not that Park Narae did well, but is this matter really worth investigating? What exactly are they investigating?" adding, "I think she can be criticized because she is a celebrity and public figure, but it seems like she is being held to an unusually harsh standard."

Meanwhile, as the controversy intensified, Hey Narae ultimately moved toward cancellation.

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