Jeju Provincial Council Member Criticized for Commenting on Female Official's "Delicate, Feminine Physique" During Public Meeting

Lee Jeongyeop Makes Remarks to Director of Gender Equality and Women's Policy
"Sincerely Apologize If Offended... Will Not Repeat in the Future"

During a session of the Jeju Provincial Council, a council member caused controversy by making a comment about a female public official's appearance during a questioning session.

Jeongyeop Lee, Member of Jeju Provincial Council. Screenshot from Jeju Provincial Council live broadcast video

On September 10, at the 442nd temporary session of the Health, Welfare and Safety Committee of the Jeju Provincial Council, Lee Jeongyeop, a Jeju Provincial Council member from the People Power Party, began questioning Eunyoung Lee, Director of Gender Equality and Women's Policy for Jeju Province, by saying, "You always work very hard despite your delicate, feminine physique." While mentioning that the issues surrounding the Kim Man-deok Award, which were controversial last year, seemed to have been well addressed, Assemblyman Lee made a remark about appearance that was unrelated to the matter at hand.

Director Lee responded indirectly, expressing her discomfort by saying, "It would be better if you could compliment me on my work instead." However, Assemblyman Lee replied, "It would be even better if you smiled." His comments, which included an assessment of appearance and gender stereotypes in an official setting, were followed by a statement that could be interpreted as pressuring a female public official to smile.

After Assemblyman Lee finished his questioning, Gilho Hyeon, Chair of the Health, Welfare and Safety Committee, addressed Director Lee, saying, "If you feel uncomfortable due to expressions made during questions unrelated to work, please feel free to speak up." Director Lee responded, "It would be more helpful if you could comment on my work rather than my appearance."

Only then did Assemblyman Lee say, "If my comments about your appearance made you uncomfortable, I sincerely apologize," explaining, "I meant it as a sign of respect and concern." He also added, "I will refrain from using such expressions in the future."

Director Lee accepted the apology, saying, "I trust that you won't do so again, and let's look forward to a positive next time," bringing the situation to a close for now.

Meanwhile, according to guidelines from the Ministry of Employment and Labor on "Prevention and Response to Workplace Sexual Harassment," evaluating someone's appearance, making sexual analogies, or commenting on body parts in work-related situations without consent constitutes workplace sexual harassment.