Yeosu City, Women's Welfare Facility Controversial for Verbal Abuse... Making Every Effort for Rapid Normalization

On the 5th, Park Eun-gyu, Director of Environmental Welfare of Yeosu City, held an online briefing in the briefing room to express his position on a local women's welfare facility that has been embroiled in controversy due to recent allegations of verbal abuse and assault by a representative.

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[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Lee Hyung-kwon] Yeosu City held an online briefing in the briefing room on the 5th to announce its position on a local women's welfare facility that has been embroiled in controversy due to recent allegations of verbal abuse and assault by its representative.

According to the city, it promptly conducted interviews with the victims as soon as the issue was recognized, notified the relevant authorized institutions, and actively supported problem resolution by guiding activist A and the victims on matters that could only be addressed upon receipt of their complaints.

The city became aware of the issue on September 15, when activist A released a statement, and immediately conducted an on-site investigation by visiting the center director, who was identified as the perpetrator, on the same day.

The following day, the city visited the women's protection facility with activist A, consulted with the director, and on September 17 met with the victims alongside a professional counselor to verify the claims of harm.

As the opinions of the perpetrator and victims continued to clash, Yeosu City notified authorized institutions including the Ministry of Employment and Labor, Yeosu Police Station, and the National Human Rights Commission on September 21. In cooperation with the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family and Jeollanam-do, a comprehensive inspection of the operation of the corporation’s three affiliated facilities was conducted, resulting in a warning issued on the 28th.

Currently, Yeosu Police Station is investigating complaints and accusations related to verbal abuse, assault, and embezzlement of public funds, while the National Human Rights Commission has begun an investigation into human rights violations, receiving related materials from Yeosu City for review.

Regarding wage exploitation and abuse of power, investigations require complaints to be filed with the Ministry of Employment and Labor by the victims; however, no such complaints have been submitted yet, so no investigation has taken place.

Jeollanam-do, which holds supervisory authority over the corporation, issued a suspension order on the corporation’s representative on September 24.

Regarding recent controversies over the suspended corporation representative maintaining the position of center director at the affiliated institution, it was stated that the replacement or suspension of center directors at the corporation’s three affiliated facilities is a matter for the corporation itself (board of directors) to decide, and that Jeollanam-do notified the corporation to take action on the 7th of last month.

Previously, the city inquired about these matters with the Ministry of Health and Welfare and, upon receiving a response, promptly notified Jeollanam-do, which holds supervisory authority, to ensure swift action.

A city official expressed regret, stating, “It is not accurate to claim that Yeosu City is a secondary perpetrator despite our best efforts and active support regarding activist A’s second statement. A and others expect Yeosu City to resolve everything, but this case involves multiple institutions with different roles and authorities, so there are limitations.”

He added, “The city recognizes the seriousness of this incident and will respond firmly if any illegalities arise based on the results of investigations by related institutions. We will do our best to restore the facility to normal operation as soon as possible so that it can become a center that supports the affected women.”

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