Ha Tae-kyung: "Ministry of Gender Equality Protects Only Pro-Moon Women, Neglects Non-Moon Women"

Ha Tae-kyung, Member of the Future United Party / Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Heo Midam] The youth issue research organization within the United Future Party, 'Yojumgeotdeul Research Institute,' urged the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family (MOGEF) on the 13th to prevent secondary harm to the accuser in relation to the sexual harassment allegations against the late Park Won-soon, former Mayor of Seoul.

Representative Ha Tae-kyung, speaking on behalf of the institute, issued a statement saying, "The charges related to the sexual harassment allegations against the late Mayor Park have become impossible to investigate by the police due to 'lack of prosecutorial jurisdiction,'" adding, "However, the truth should not be covered up just because the deceased has passed away."

He then criticized MOGEF's stance, stating, "During the Yoon Ji-oh case, MOGEF raised its voice loudly and provided various supports without thorough fact-checking, but this time, despite serious secondary harm being inflicted on the victim, MOGEF remains silent."

Additionally, Representative Ha pointed out, "On the 10th, a request was made at the National Assembly to take measures to prevent secondary harm to the victim, but there has been no response," emphasizing, "They are neglecting victim protection, let alone uncovering the truth."

He further asserted, "MOGEF is protecting pro-Moon Jae-in women while neglecting anti-Moon women," and raised his voice, saying, "MOGEF should not be a ministry only for pro-Moon women but a ministry for all women."

Finally, Representative Ha urged, "MOGEF must no longer remain silent," calling for "a firm declaration of response to power-related sexual crimes, uncovering the truth, and making every effort to prevent secondary harm to victims and provide support."

Earlier, Vice Minister Kim Hee-kyung of MOGEF caused controversy last October by anonymously sponsoring accommodation and rental cars for Yoon Ji-oh. At the National Assembly's Gender Equality and Family Committee audit on October 23 last year, Vice Minister Kim explained, "There was a strong public demand, with a Blue House petition requesting protection for Yoon's safety surpassing 200,000 signatures in five days," adding, "It was a private donation, so it was not disclosed, and disclosing it now would likely cause unnecessary controversy."