Ryu Ho-jeong: "Respect for Mayor Park's Condolences... But My Conviction Remains Unchanged"

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeon Jin-young] Ryu Ho-jeong, a Justice Party lawmaker who refused to pay respects to Mayor Park Won-soon due to concerns about secondary harm to the victim, stated, “Mourning for Mayor Park should be respected in itself,” but added, “My conviction to refuse the condolence visit remains unchanged.”

[Image source=Yonhap News]

On the morning of the 13th, Ryu appeared on YTN Radio’s “Noh Young-hee’s Start of a New Morning” and said, “I believe that many people’s mourning should be respected in itself. However, I wanted to let people know that at that time, there was at least one person who stood with the victim who was appealing for help.”

He continued, “In a situation where secondary harm has become a reality, I thought it was necessary to let many people who have had or are having similar experiences in power relationships know that there is a lawmaker like me. Since the accused has passed away, the investigation is not proceeding. I thought waiting for the judiciary’s decision would be too late,” he emphasized.

Regarding criticism that there were differing opinions within the party due to condolences from Justice Party leader Sim Sang-jung and other party leaders, he said, “I have no objection to the fact that there are diverse opinions within the party. No one criticized me either.”

He added, “In fact, Mayor Park was also the lawyer who led the first workplace sexual harassment case victory in our country,” and stated, “(Secondary harm or excessive personal attacks) are acts of murder that kill the victim. Such behavior is exactly what insults the deceased.”

When asked by the host if his conviction remains unchanged, Ryu replied, “Yes,” adding, “Our country still lacks awareness of victim-centered approaches. I believe that gender sensitivity is still much needed in our society.”