Democrat '3-term' Park Wan-joo Expelled... Park Ji-hyun Apologizes for Repeated Sexual Misconduct Within the Party

Park Ji-hyun, Co-Chair of the Democratic Party of Korea Emergency Committee. / Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Na Ye-eun] Park Ji-hyun, co-chair of the Emergency Response Committee of the Democratic Party of Korea, expressed her sincere apology to the public regarding the expulsion of lawmaker Park Wan-joo due to a sexual misconduct case within the party.

On the morning of the 12th, Park stated, "The Emergency Response Committee has decided to expel lawmaker Park Wan-joo today. This decision was made carefully after thorough investigations by the party's Ethics Inspection Team and leadership."

She added, "I ask everyone to refrain from speculating about the victim's personal information. Such speculation can further distress the victim," emphasizing, "Our party must break away from past wrongdoings. Repeated sexual misconduct cases within the party are truly painful. We must create a party that treats women as complete individuals to stand proudly before the public."

Park also said, "I will not give up. I will build a Democratic Party and a Republic of Korea that respects everyone equally."

Earlier, it was reported that a sexual harassment complaint against a secretary by lawmaker Park was filed at the end of last year, and the party had been investigating the matter until recently.

Democratic Party spokesperson Shin Hyun-young held a briefing at the National Assembly on the 12th, explaining that the Emergency Response Committee resolved to expel lawmaker Park. Shin stated, "To prevent secondary harm and protect the victim, detailed information will not be disclosed," and added, "We will request disciplinary action at the National Assembly level."

Meanwhile, Park Ji-hyun gained public attention through her activities with the tracking group 'Bulkkot' that exposed the Telegram n-room sexual exploitation issue, and during the last presidential election, she served as the chair of the Digital Sexual Violence Eradication Special Committee in Lee Jae-myung's campaign.

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