Ruling and Opposition Parties Cautious Beyond 'Memorial'... Some Say "Moral Issues Are Important"

Democratic Party lawmaker Park Hong-geun is entering the funeral hall at Seoul National University Hospital in Jongno-gu, Seoul, where the late Mayor of Seoul Park Won-soon’s wake is scheduled to be held on the 10th. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Cheol-eung] The news of the late Park Won-soon, Mayor of Seoul, came after the 'Me Too' accusation. Former Chungnam Governor Ahn Hee-jung and former Busan Mayor Oh Keo-don resigned, and this time, the shock within the ruling party is even greater as Park took his own life immediately after being accused. The opposition party is also expressing condolences rather than commenting on the reasons for his extreme choice.

Park’s former secretary, Ms. A, filed a police complaint on the 8th alleging sexual harassment, and Park did not go to work the next day and disappeared. The final chapter of the life journey of a human rights lawyer, civic activist, and the first three-term elected mayor of Seoul leaves a bitter aftertaste.

Both ruling and opposition parties are generally refraining from remarks other than mourning. Kang Hoon-sik, senior spokesperson for the Democratic Party, told reporters, "It is difficult to speak rashly out of respect for the deceased’s honor." Independent lawmaker Hong Joon-pyo said on Facebook, "The news of Mayor Park Won-soon’s death is a great shock," adding, "I hope there will be no further damage to the deceased’s honor."

However, some have pointed out moral issues. Democratic Party lawmaker Hong Ik-pyo appeared on YTN Radio’s 'No Young-hee’s Morning Start' and said, "Since the facts have not yet been confirmed, it is difficult to comment, and it is awkward to discuss various things immediately after the deceased’s passing," but added, "Regardless of whether it is Mayor Park Won-soon or not, personal moral issues are very important for high-ranking public officials, metropolitan local government heads, members of the National Assembly, or any senior officials."

On the same broadcast, United Future Party lawmaker Cho Hae-jin said, "In cases like former Chungnam Governor Ahn Hee-jung or former Busan Mayor Oh Keo-don, active metropolitan mayors resigned due to such incidents, which greatly disappointed citizens," and added, "If it is proven true, I think there should be an overall diagnosis, reflection, and measures to prevent further disappointment to the public."

Former Mayor Oh resigned abruptly on April 23, shortly after the general election, stating, "There was unnecessary physical contact during a five-minute meeting with a female public official." At that time, the Democratic Party leadership said they had no prior knowledge. Former Governor Ahn, once considered a 'pro-Moon' presidential contender, was exposed by a secretary in 2018 and was sentenced to three years and six months in prison by the Supreme Court last September. He was released on suspension of sentence on the 5th due to his mother’s funeral. For the ruling party, the news of Mayor Park’s death means losing another prominent presidential contender in the most extreme way.