'Dating Violence Controversy' Won Jong-geon Resigns... What Does Gaslighting Mean?

Won Jong-geon (27), the second recruited talent of the Democratic Party of Korea who has been accused in the Me Too controversy, is stating his position at the National Assembly Press Hall in Yeouido, Seoul on the 28th. Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Ga-yeon] Won Jong-geon (27), the second talent recruit of the Democratic Party of Korea who has been embroiled in allegations of sexual violence, returned his talent recruit qualification and announced that he will not run in the general election on the 28th. Meanwhile, netizens' attention is focused on the 'gaslighting' mentioned by Ms. A, who identified herself as Won's ex-girlfriend.

Gaslighting is a psychological term derived from the 1983 play "Gas Light" directed by Patrick Hamilton, referring to emotional abuse that occurs in intimate relationships. It is a form of brainwashing that makes the victim doubt themselves by manipulating their psychology and situation.

In the play, the husband deliberately dims the gas lights, and when the wife points it out, he blames her for being overly sensitive by saying "That's not true." Through this method, the husband makes the wife doubt her own perception of reality and become dependent on him.

Earlier on the 27th, Ms. A revealed through an online community that she suffered dating violence and gaslighting during her past relationship with Won.

Ms. A claimed, "Won continuously treated me, his girlfriend, as a sexual object," adding, "He forced sexual relations even when I refused angrily, and refused contraception. He also repeatedly demanded to film sexual videos."

Won Jong-geon (27), the second recruited talent of the Democratic Party of Korea involved in the Me Too controversy, is announcing his voluntary resignation from the recruited talent position at a press conference held at the National Assembly Press Hall in Yeouido, Seoul, on the 28th. Photo by Yonhap News

She continued, "Even in summer when the temperature exceeded 35 degrees Celsius, I only wore long shirts and jeans, and if I wore a skirt, it was always a long skirt covering my legs, but he called me a exhibitionist every day, saying that my collarbones and cleavage were visible when I bent over," and "He was angry with me all day on days I wore shorts."

She said, "(Won) said things like, 'Are you doing this because you want attention from people? How can I stay still when you walk around naked? Seriously, get psychiatric counseling. You might as well wear a hijab,'" adding, "He mentally tormented me."

She added, "His actions were clearly dating violence, and I sincerely wanted an apology, but he never said he was sorry," and "When I raised these issues, he said, 'If you look closely, it seems like you really don't love me.'"

Meanwhile, on the 28th, Won held a press conference at the National Assembly briefing room and stated, "I will voluntarily return my qualification as a talent recruit for the Democratic Party's 21st general election."

Regarding the allegations of sexual violence against him, he denied, saying, "The posts are not true. I am a youth with many faults and mistakes, but I have not lived recklessly."

He added, "Moreover, she was a woman I once loved," and "Regardless of the truth of the claims, I believe it is a responsible attitude to share the pain about our past together, even now."