[Asia Economy reporters Wondara and Jeon Jinyoung] The late Mayor Park Won-soon of Seoul has sparked fierce debates within the progressive camp, causing internal strife. On the Democratic Party's member bulletin board, criticism such as "Should we show respect even to Jeon Du-hwan?" continues, and in the Justice Party, lawmakers Ryu Ho-jeong and Jang Hye-young have refused to pay respects, stirring controversy.
On the 13th, posts criticizing the Democratic Party leadership's stance appeared on the party's rights members' bulletin board. One rights member referred to Representative Lee's remarks, saying, "If Jeon Du-hwan died, would you show full respect to the deceased?" and criticized, "Death does not cover everything." They added, "This party was the first to talk about justice and human rights," emphasizing, "Are there degrees of human rights? Because the Seoul mayor died, is it sorrowful, but will you ignore and turn away from the cry of a woman who says she was continuously sexually harassed by the Seoul mayor for years?"
Another rights member wrote a post titled "I am leaving the party," stating, "I have supported for 10 years. I will never support the Democratic Party again, which condones violence by those in power and covers up violence." They continued, "The people had expectations and gave you a chance," and said, "Please wake up and do things properly. If you ignore the people's expectations, a day of great regret will come soon."
The criticisms from Democratic Party members and Representative Lee's remarks came during the four-day funeral vigil for Mayor Park. After paying respects at the vigil on the 10th, when asked whether the party planned to respond to the sexual harassment allegations, Representative Lee shouted, "That is not polite. Are you talking about such things here? There are at least things to be discreet about!" causing controversy. Governor Kim Kyung-soo of Gyeongnam Province also said after visiting the vigil on the 11th, "I do not know who the victim reported by the media is. I do not know the facts at all," adding, "Since we must listen to that person's story, I think the achievements of Mayor Park, who devoted his life to civic movements and expanding local autonomy, deserve respect and mourning." The central party instructed local committees to hang memorial banners saying "We will honor your will," which drew criticism as secondary harm.
The Justice Party leadership, which actively defended former Minister of Justice Cho Kuk during last year's scandal, did not attend Mayor Park's funeral on this day. Earlier, lawmakers Ryu Ho-jeong and Jang Hye-young refused to pay respects as a sign of protecting and showing solidarity with the victim who suffered secondary sexual violence from Mayor Park. On the 10th, Justice Party leader Shim Sang-jung, who visited the vigil, said, "I think one of the people who may be most suffering in this situation is the victim," and stated, "I want to emphasize that doxxing or secondary harm against the victim must never happen." This has led to internal criticism suggesting a "second wave of party resignations." Former Justice Party Youth Deputy Representative Jung Hye-yeon criticized on her Facebook on the 11th, saying, "Seeing the posts of those who say they will leave the party, I feel devastated about how our party has come to this state."
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