'Sexual Misconduct Allegations' Against Yoon Jae-soon, Lee Jun-seok Says "He Offered a Comprehensive Apology... Hopes the Public Will Understand"

Yoon Jae-soon Controversy Over 'On the Electric Train' Poem Lines and Past Sexual Harassment Warning
Lee Jun-seok: "About 20 Years Time Gap... Judged to Apologize and Focus on Work"

On the afternoon of the 18th, Lee Jun-seok, the leader, is giving a greeting speech at the launch ceremony of the People Power Party Jeonbuk Provincial Election Countermeasures Committee held at the People Power Party Jeonbuk Provincial Office in Jeonju-si, Jeollabuk-do, during the 8th nationwide simultaneous local elections.
[Photo by Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Jung-wan] Lee Jun-seok, leader of the People Power Party, commented on the past sexual misconduct allegations against Yoon Jae-soon, Secretary General of the Presidential Office, saying, "Since Secretary Yoon has offered a comprehensive apology to the public with a humble attitude, I hope the people will understand."

On the afternoon of the 18th, after greeting citizens in Jeonju, Jeollabuk-do, Lee responded to reporters' questions about criticisms that Secretary Yoon's comprehensive apology at the National Assembly's Steering Committee was insufficient.

Lee said, "The numerous inappropriate expressions made by Secretary Yoon reflect the times, and it is naturally a matter that requires an apology and moving on. I thought there should be a point showing that his thoughts have changed since then, so he made a statement."

He continued, "Since many of the remarks currently being raised were made with about a 20-year time gap, the party also decided to apologize and focus on work regarding this matter," he explained.

Secretary Yoon became controversial for including lines in a poetry collection published in November 2002 titled "On the Electric Train," such as "Only on the electric train is the freedom of mischievous boys / still guaranteed," and "Pushing aside the full breasts of a girl / lightly touching her buttocks / yet the girl who cannot speak / quietly twists her body and blushes."

Secretary Yoon was also involved in controversy for receiving a warning for sexual harassment while working at the prosecution. On the 17th, he appeared before the National Assembly Steering Committee and said, "If I caused hurt and discomfort to the public, I believe it is only right to apologize," adding, "I will apologize."

However, the controversy intensified due to remarks made during Secretary Yoon's explanation. He said, "I received an encouragement bonus for working hard at the time," and "Coincidentally, it was my birthday, and I was subjected to what is called a 'birthday punch.' My white dress shirt was smeared with black chocolate cake." He added, "When the staff asked, 'What should we do for your birthday?' I was angry about the excessive birthday punch and said, 'Give me a kiss.' So I kissed their cheek and left. That was called sexual harassment."

He further stated, "I was not investigated at the time, but the investigation took place behind the scenes for about a year. Then, after about 10 months or a year, the head of the inspection department issued a 'warning,' as far as I remember."

In response, the opposition Democratic Party criticized, "A mere verbal parliamentarianism will only deepen distrust not only among the opposition but also among the public," pressuring the Yoon Suk-yeol administration's presidential office appointments. Voices from the ruling party also called for "him to make a decision on his position." People Power Party lawmaker Cho Eun-hee said to Secretary Yoon, "To build a successful government as an excellent aide, you must make the decision to sacrifice yourself even if it feels unfair."

Meanwhile, Secretary Yoon responded to lawmaker Cho's remarks by saying, "I take it as a meaning to work harder and better, and I will reflect deeply with painful self-discipline and work harder to meet the public's expectations."

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