On the 10th, the funeral hall at Seoul National University Hospital in Jongno-gu, Seoul, was prepared as the mourning place for the late Park Won-soon, Mayor of Seoul. / Provided by Seoul City
[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] Regarding the sudden sad news of the late Park Won-soon, Mayor of Seoul, voices within the United Future Party are expressing condolences while emphasizing consideration for the victim and calling for 'diagnosis and reflection.'
On the 10th, Kim Ki-hyun, a member of the United Future Party, wrote on Facebook, "Personally, I cannot help but feel deep sorrow and sadness over the passing of the late Mayor Park. I pray for the repose of the deceased and sincerely offer my condolences to the bereaved family," but added, "However, I am deeply concerned that the victim, who is already suffering from the pain of past sexual harassment, will now have to bear the pain of the deceased's death as well."
Kim said, "(The victim) endured alone in shame and fear for several years and made a very difficult decision, but the case was closed due to lack of prosecution, and the truth will be buried," adding, "While the world comforts the deceased's death and only talks about his achievements, the victim may have to endure another invisible, harsh violence alone."
He continued, "This is not a matter to hold a funeral as the Mayor of Seoul," and added, "It was not an accident caused by official duties, and it is not desirable for such extreme choices to become a kind of pardon."
Kim said, "Apart from the tragic death of the deceased, I hope the position of the victim who suffered from sexual harassment will be fully considered," and added, "It is the minimum consideration and duty that our society can offer to the victim."
Jo Hae-jin, a United Future Party lawmaker, also expressed condolences on YTN Radio's 'Noh Young-hee's Start New Morning' program that morning, saying, "Personally, he was a senior from my hometown, so I was somewhat acquainted with him, and I was still in disbelief, but I heard the news that he was found early this morning, and I still cannot fully process it," while expressing regret over the Me Too allegations, saying, "He lived his whole life as a public official and a leader, and currently as a metropolitan mayor, I couldn't understand why he did not manage himself in that regard, and I still don't understand it."
He added, "If (the Me Too allegations) turn out to be true, then overall, some diagnosis and reflection should come out, and measures should be taken so as not to disappoint the public any further," he said.
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