'An Hee-jung Sexual Assault Damage Lawsuit' Physical Examination Delayed for 1 Year

Former Chungnam Governor Ahn Hee-jung Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Daehyun] The damages claim lawsuit filed by Kim Ji-eun, who exposed the sexual assault case of former Chungnam Governor Ahn Hee-jung and ignited the 'Me Too' movement, has been stalled for nearly a year due to delays in the 'physical examination procedure.'

According to the court on the 14th, the case being heard by the Civil Division 22 of the Seoul Central District Court (Presiding Judge Jeong Jae-hee) has not held a trial for nearly a year since the second hearing on September 17 of last year.

At the last hearing, the court accepted the request for a physical examination submitted by Kim's side. The court stated, "The trial cannot proceed further until the results of the physical examination are available," and added, "The next hearing will be scheduled later."

However, the trial has been delayed as various hospitals have refused to accept the request for the physical examination. The court has designated hospitals to conduct the examination about five times so far, but all have declined. On the 6th, a new hospital was requested to conduct the examination, and the court is awaiting a response.

Given the political and social sensitivity of the case, it appears that hospitals and doctors feel burdened. The attending physician involved in the examination may also have to appear as a witness in the future. A legal insider explained, "The court cannot force hospitals that refuse to accept the examination request to conduct it. The court must designate a new hospital and notify both parties of the lawsuit."

Another issue cited is the 'low examination fee.' The fee for the physical examination is only 400,000 KRW, and the fee for reviewing medical records is 600,000 KRW. From the perspective of university hospital professors and specialists with heavy workloads, the compensation is not significant compared to the burden posed by the case itself.

The longer the related procedures are delayed, the more the sexual violence victims may be exposed to new secondary harm. Earlier this year, when President Yoon Seok-youl was the presidential candidate of the People Power Party, a broadcaster reported a 'phone recording' containing remarks by Kim Geon-hee defending former Governor Ahn.

Kim Geon-hee responded in writing to the broadcaster, saying, "I sincerely apologize to the public for the inappropriate remarks made during the process of criticizing some progressive figures who sexually exploited others." President Yoon said, "I apologized to those who were hurt. My feelings have not changed," and the election campaign headquarters also apologized, calling it "very inappropriate remarks."

Through the Korea Sexual Violence Counseling Center, Kim Ji-eun demanded a sincere apology, stating, "The thoughtless words you uttered became the seeds of secondary harm, and I am still suffering from malicious comments," urging Kim Geon-hee to make a public apology.

Meanwhile, former Governor Ahn was released last month after completing his sentence. According to the Public Official Election Act and the Act on the Effectiveness of Sentences, he is barred from running for election for 10 years after his release.

Earlier, Kim Ji-eun, who was Ahn's executive secretary, revealed in March 2018 that she had been sexually assaulted and molested by Ahn through his power. A month later, Ahn was criminally prosecuted on charges of sexual assault and forced molestation of a subordinate, as well as molestation by abuse of authority under the Sexual Violence Punishment Act. The Supreme Court found Ahn guilty and confirmed a prison sentence of 3 years and 6 months.

After Ahn's guilty verdict was finalized, Kim filed a civil lawsuit in July 2020, claiming 300 million KRW in damages from Ahn and Chungcheongnam-do, citing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Ahn's side denies liability for damages, stating that they deny illegal acts, there is no causal relationship, and that no secondary harm was caused. Chungcheongnam-do's position is that it was Ahn's personal illegal act and unrelated to his official duties.

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