Democratic Party, Mayor Park's Condolence Line... Silent on Sexual Harassment Allegations

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporters Kang Nahum and Jeon Jinyoung] On the 10th, at the funeral hall of Seoul National University Hospital in Jongno-gu, Seoul, where the late Park Won-soon, former Mayor of Seoul, was laid to rest, members of the Democratic Party of Korea continued to visit to pay their respects. While mourning the deceased, they remained largely silent regarding the sexual harassment allegations.

Kim Tae-nyeon, the floor leader of the Democratic Party, expressed his condolences to reporters after paying respects in the afternoon, saying, "I cannot contain my grief over this tragic news."

He added, "I pray for the repose of the deceased. I offer my deepest condolences to the bereaved family in this great sorrow," and stated, "The party will support the Seoul city administration to operate without disruption."

However, Kim remained silent when asked about the sexual harassment allegations against Mayor Park.

Around the same time, Jeon Hae-cheol, a Democratic Party lawmaker who also visited the funeral, said, "Inside the funeral hall, everyone is in deep mourning," and added, "The bereaved family is very saddened, so we had nothing to say," conveying the somber atmosphere.

Regarding the sexual harassment allegations, he said, "I worked alongside him as a lawyer at the Minbyun (Korean Lawyers for Public Interest and Human Rights) about 30 years ago and respected him greatly, so I don't think it is appropriate to comment on the current incident," and only added, "It is very tragic that he left without fulfilling all he intended."

When asked what he discussed with the bereaved family, lawmaker Lee Gae-ho briefly replied, "What could I have said? I just prayed for the repose of the deceased and left."

Kim Jin-pyo, who also visited the funeral hall, was asked about his feelings and said, "We had planned to meet this evening, but (it is regrettable). I think it is respectful not to say anything today for the deceased," before leaving the venue.

Additionally, lawmakers Kang Byung-won, Lee Yong-bin, Jung Pil-mo, and Lee Jae-jung also visited the funeral hall but left without responding to reporters' questions.