"Choi Kang-wook Accused of Sexual Harassment Remarks in Party Online Meeting... Choi Says 'Distorted'"

▲Choi Kang-wook, Member of the Democratic Party of Korea [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Jae-hee] On the 2nd, allegations were raised that Choi Kang-wook, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, made sexually harassing remarks during an online party meeting.

Choi's side denied this, stating it was "not true."

According to a media report on the day, Choi allegedly made sexually harassing remarks toward a fellow lawmaker during a recent online party meeting.

It was reported that when the lawmaker was not visible on the video conference screen, Choi pointed this out and asked if they were engaging in sexual activity.

The meeting was a gathering of Democratic Party members of the National Assembly’s Legislation and Judiciary Committee to discuss the direction of upcoming confirmation hearings. Some members, including Lee Soo-jin (Seoul Dongjak-eul), the only female member of the Democratic Party on the committee, were absent.

Choi posted a statement on Facebook immediately denying the allegations.

Choi stated, "There is a report that I made sexually harassing remarks, but it was merely a light joke to lighten the serious atmosphere during discussions on prosecutorial reform among the committee members," adding, "I deeply regret that the intent was distorted in the report."

He continued, "It should have been clear that there was no intention or purpose of sexual harassment, and it is unfortunate that the reporters did not verify this fact with the parties involved," adding, "However, I apologize to the attendees for causing discomfort due to misunderstandings."

A representative from Choi’s side also explained, "It is true that when the lawmaker was not visible, Choi made a joking remark," and added, "He said, 'Are you doing it like young students playing jjaljjal-i?'"

The term "jjaljjal-i" is a slang referring to a kind of secret 'money-taking game' played by students, and no sexual meaning was intended in the remark.

The People Power Party immediately criticized the remarks.

Park Min-young, spokesperson for the People Power Party, said in a statement, "It is appalling that they do not even recognize why the remark is problematic, showing a pathetic level of gender sensitivity," and criticized, "The issue is even more serious given that no lessons have been learned despite the scandals involving former metropolitan mayors Ahn Hee-jung, Oh Keo-don, and Park Won-soon."

She added, "As Park Ji-hyun, the emergency committee chairperson, said, the Democratic Party needs to 'grab by the collar' to come to their senses," and demanded, "Choi must immediately apologize not only to the victims who suffered sexual humiliation but also to the public disappointed by the Democratic Party’s repeated sexual misconduct."

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