Won Jong-geon, 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, returned his recruitment qualification and announced he would not run in the general election on the 28th amid allegations of sexual violence. Meanwhile, netizens are showing interest in Won's educational background.
When Won was 13 years old in 2005, he appeared with his mother, who had both visual and hearing impairments, on MBC's variety program 'Neukkim-pyo' in the segment 'Nun-eul Tteoyo' (Open Your Eyes). Through the broadcast, Won's mother regained her eyesight after receiving a corneal transplant.
Gaining recognition from this program, Won graduated from Kyung Hee University with a degree in Media and Communication and then worked in the social contribution team at eBay Korea.
Won later appeared on tvN's 'Problematic Men' and KBS's 'Secrets of Life and Death,' sharing updates on his activities.
Meanwhile, A, who identified herself as Won's ex-girlfriend, revealed on an online community on the 27th that she suffered dating violence and gaslighting from Won during their relationship. A shared a photo of her bruised leg.
In her post, A claimed, "Won continuously treated me, his girlfriend, as a sexual object," adding, "He forced sexual relations even when I refused angrily, rejected contraception, and repeatedly demanded to film sexual videos."
She continued, "His actions were clearly dating violence, and I sincerely wanted an apology, but he never expressed remorse. When I raised these issues, he said, 'If you look closely, it seems like you really don't love me.'"
On the following day, the 28th, Won held a press conference at the National Assembly's Press Hall in Yeouido, Seoul, stating, "I will voluntarily return my qualification as a recruited talent for the Democratic Party's 21st general election."
Regarding the allegations, he denied them, saying, "The posted claims are not true. Though I was a youth with many faults and mistakes, I did not live recklessly."
However, he added, "Moreover, she was a woman I once loved. Regardless of the truth of the claims, I believe it is a responsible attitude to share the pain of our past together, even now."
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