Investigation by Ethics Committee into Allegations of Sexual Misconduct Against Former Democratic Party Leader Jeong Jin-sul

Published 20 Apr.2023 13:20(KST)

Choi Ho-jung, the representative member of the People Power Party, and 74 members of the People Power Party submitted an investigation request to the Seoul Metropolitan Council Ethics Special Committee regarding the ‘sexual misconduct allegations against former Democratic Party representative member Jeong Jin-sul’... Suspicions have been raised that Jeong Cheong-rae, a former aide to the Democratic Party Supreme Council member, may be involved in the sexual misconduct case... 74 members agreed to the investigation, aiming to uncover the truth through a fact-finding investigation and hold those responsible accountable.

Choi Ho-jung, representative member of the People Power Party (photo), announced on the 20th that, under the names of 74 People Power Party members, an ‘Investigation Request on Sexual Misconduct Allegations against Seoul Metropolitan Council Member Jeong Jin-sul’ was submitted to the Seoul Metropolitan Council Ethics Special Committee.

The ‘Investigation Request’ was received directly by the Ethics Special Committee without being presented at the plenary session.

Investigation by Ethics Committee into Allegations of Sexual Misconduct Against Former Democratic Party Leader Jeong Jin-sul

According to Article 84-2 of the Seoul Metropolitan Council Meeting Rules, if an investigation request is submitted to the Seoul Metropolitan Ethics Special Committee with the approval of 10 or more members, an investigation must be conducted regarding the member’s obligation to comply with the Code of Ethics Ordinance, and the results must be reported to the plenary session.

The Code of Ethics that members must comply with is specified from Article 3 to Article 13 of the Seoul Metropolitan Council Members’ Code of Ethics and Ethical Practice Norms Ordinance, which includes maintaining dignity, obligation of integrity, prohibition of abuse of authority, prohibition of acquiring money or valuables related to their position, prohibition of leaking official secrets, and prohibition of accepting gratuities.

The meeting rules allow for disciplinary requests (Article 84) when there is clear evidence of a member’s violation of the Code of Ethics, and investigation requests (Article 84-2) when there are suspicions of such violations.

Recently, media reports have continuously raised sexual misconduct allegations against former Democratic Party representative member Jeong Jin-sul, and there have even been reports that the Democratic Party Seoul Metropolitan Chapter held an ethics tribunal and expelled him. This is a serious matter that must be clearly clarified to protect the honor of Seoul citizens and the dignity and status of the Seoul Metropolitan Council.

Already, on April 12, the People Power Party in the Seoul Metropolitan Council publicly urged for a clear explanation of the reasons for the sudden expulsion of Jeong Jin-sul, who held the position of Democratic Party floor leader.

Representative Choi claimed, "Despite rampant speculation and rumors surrounding former representative Jeong, he has made no effort to clarify the facts. Instead, during the 317th extraordinary session, he resigned as the Democratic Party representative member of the Seoul Metropolitan Council and has not participated in committee or plenary activities, which has intensified the controversy."

He added, "The Seoul Metropolitan Council and its Ethics Special Committee have the obligation to thoroughly investigate such issues and take disciplinary action if the allegations are confirmed. Accordingly, 74 People Power Party members of the Seoul Metropolitan Council have submitted an ‘Investigation Request on Sexual Misconduct Allegations’ to uncover the truth."

Representative Choi further stated, “Former representative Jeong Jin-sul has an obligation to clarify the truth to the citizens of Seoul and the Seoul Metropolitan Council. However, he has not issued any statements regarding media reports and rumors, which only fuels the suspicions. We will reveal the truth through this fact-finding investigation and hold him accountable accordingly.”

He also urged, “The Democratic Party leadership has consistently advocated for transparent disclosure of public officials’ conduct whenever possible. Active participation in this fact-finding investigation would be an opportunity to put their words into practice. If any disciplinary actions were taken against former representative Jeong, they must clearly disclose to the citizens when, for what actions, and what wrongdoings were involved.”