[Comprehensive] 'Forced Molestation' Oh Keo-don, Controversy Over Female Employee Seating Arrangement at Past Company Dinner

Busan Mayor Oh Keo-don Admits Forcible Molestation of Female Official, Resigns
"I Will Live with a Repentant Heart for the Rest of My Life"
Busan Sexual Violence Counseling Center: "Unbearably Shocking... Somewhat Predictable"
Mayor Oh Sparks Controversy by Seating Female Employees on Both Sides at Past Company Dinner

Busan Mayor Oh Keo-don is holding a press conference at Busan City Hall on the morning of the 23rd to announce his intention to resign from the mayoral position. Mayor Oh said, "I have a guilty statement to make. Recently, during a five-minute meeting with a female public official, there was unnecessary physical contact," and added, "I bow my head and sincerely apologize."
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Seung-gon] On the 23rd, Busan Mayor Oh Keo-don admitted to forcibly molesting a female public official and abruptly resigned. The Busan Sexual Violence Counseling Center stated that it had anticipated this incident, citing past controversies involving Mayor Oh at company dinners. In the past, Mayor Oh faced criticism for seating only women directly in front of him and on both sides during a dinner with employees, which was deemed inappropriate. When the controversy arose, Mayor Oh explained that he had not anticipated any backlash.

The Busan Sexual Violence Counseling Center issued a press release regarding Mayor Oh’s resignation, stating, "Resignation is not the end. It is the beginning of a gender-equal Busan." They added, "We were shocked upon learning of this sexual violence case through the victim," but emphasized, "It was somewhat foreseeable."

The counseling center cited a 2018 press release about the seating arrangement at a company dinner where female workers were seated beside Mayor Oh, explaining, "Low gender sensitivity and a lack of reflection on it can always lead to sexual violence incidents."

They continued, "In the process of supporting the victim and communicating with Busan City, Mayor Oh and his aides appeared to have made efforts for the victim, showing at least a minimal sense of responsibility after the sexual violence incident."

The counseling center stated, "Busan City must change thoroughly after the resignation," and added, "Busan City should actively protect the victim, do its best to help the victim recover, and prevent secondary harm."

They also called for the establishment of a dedicated organization under Busan City to handle sexual harassment and sexual violence, and for improving organizational culture and awareness through gender equality education.

The counseling center further said, "This incident revealed that the culture of the Busan community is male-centered and not gender-equal," adding, "Gender equality is no longer a 'trivial matter' that can be postponed; it is an urgent task that the Busan community must solve."

Busan Mayor Oh Keo-don announces his resignation at a press conference held at Busan City Hall on the morning of the 23rd. [Image source=Yonhap News]

Earlier, Mayor Oh apologized after controversy arose over seating female workers beside him at a company dinner.

On November 14, 2018, Mayor Oh announced the conversion of contract workers employed by service companies under Busan City and related agencies into regular employees.

Following this, Mayor Oh held a meeting and dinner with these employees, but the seating arrangement at the dinner became controversial.

Most attendees at the dinner were men, but young women were seated beside and opposite Mayor Oh. This led to criticism on some online communities, Twitter, Facebook, and the media, pointing out it as a scene revealing a male-centered dinner culture.

As the controversy spread, Mayor Oh posted an apology titled "I will ensure there is no discomfort again" on his SNS on the 16th.

He explained, "It was a bright atmosphere where we pledged to draw a new future together with hope and expectations for the regularization. Neither I nor the employees present anticipated such controversy at all."

He added, "Seeing the objective image of myself in the photo, I reflected on how I had been complacent about wrong customs and evils. Our society is undergoing many changes, and I also felt it was time to change my thinking."

He emphasized, "I will watch over myself and the entire city to ensure that no citizens are hurt by such discomfort again."

Busan Mayor Oh Keo-don is leaving after holding a press conference at Busan City Hall on the morning of the 23rd to announce his intention to resign from the mayoral position. Mayor Oh said, "I have a remorseful statement to make. During a recent five-minute meeting with a female public official, there was unnecessary physical contact," and added, "I bow my head in apology." [Image source=Yonhap News]

Meanwhile, Mayor Oh held a press conference at Busan City Hall this morning (23rd) and officially announced his resignation from the mayoral position. He cited the recent incident of forcibly molesting a female public official as the reason for his resignation.

Mayor Oh said, "The responsibility for one person is too great, so I had no choice but to make this decision," and added, "During a short meeting of about five minutes, I realized that unnecessary physical contact that should not have happened could be recognized as forcible molestation. Regardless of severity, no words or actions can be forgiven."

He continued, "Knowing this wrongdoing, I believe it is not right to continue serving as mayor," and said, "I take responsibility for the fact that normal city administration cannot be maintained during this difficult time and ask for forgiveness as I step down."

Mayor Oh also requested, "I will live the rest of my life with a repentant heart. I ask citizens to protect the victim so that she does not suffer further harm."

Following Mayor Oh’s resignation, Deputy Mayor Byun Sung-wan will act as the interim head of Busan City administration.