'Oh Keo-don Sexual Harassment' Victim: "Do Not Link to General Election Timing... Should Not Be Politically Exploited"

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hye-min] Ms. A, who was a victim of sexual harassment by Busan Mayor Oh Keo-don, stated on the 23rd, "I sincerely hope this issue is not politically exploited," and added, "Those who have done wrong should be punished, and victims should be protected."

Ms. A released a statement through the Busan Sexual Violence Counseling Center in the afternoon, saying, "There are movements to politically interpret this incident by linking it to the general election period."

She emphasized, "Let me be clear. There was no external pressure or inducement from the political sphere, and it is completely unrelated to any political calculation." She added, "As a citizen who loves Busan very much, I earnestly hope this issue will not be politically exploited." This appears to be a rebuttal to suspicions raised mainly by the United Future Party that Mayor Oh intentionally coordinated the timing of his resignation to be after the general election.

She stressed, "This incident is 'Mayor Oh Keo-don's sexual harassment'." Ms. A explained the circumstances, saying, "Earlier this month, I was summoned by the former mayor Oh Keo-don's executive secretary. It was the first time, and it was during working hours. I hurried to the office because I was told it was a work-related summons, but I was sexually harassed there."

She also expressed regret regarding Mayor Oh’s press conference statement. Ms. A said, "There can be no distinction in severity regarding what happened there. It was a clear sexual harassment and a sexual crime punishable by law." She added, "I am afraid that expressions like 'realizing it could be recognized as forced molestation' might make me appear to be an overly sensitive person." She said, "Out of concern, I repeatedly requested to review the content of the statement in advance, but it was not accepted, and the press conference was held suddenly at an unexpected time." She urged Busan City to establish fundamental measures to prevent recurrence, sexual crimes, and secondary damage.

Regarding personal information exposure and gossip reports, she criticized, "My life has been completely shaken by this unexpected incident." Ms. A urged, "There is no reason for the focus to be on the victim’s personal information. Please stop all reports that specify my personal information and unverified speculative reports."