[Asia Economy Reporter Son Sun-hee] On the 13th, the Blue House stated regarding the ongoing sexual harassment allegations against the late Park Won-soon, Mayor of Seoul, "We earnestly ask that the secondary harm of blaming the victim be stopped, considering the pain and fear of the victim."
Kang Min-seok, spokesperson for the Blue House, said in a text message that afternoon, "Everyone's efforts are needed so that the victim and their family can return to their daily lives as soon as possible."
Earlier, the victim held a press conference to repeatedly express the pain caused by the 'typical sexual harassment through power and influence.' In response, the Blue House refrained from commenting, saying, "We have nothing further to say."
However, the additional statement by Spokesperson Kang appears to express concern over the situation where indiscriminate secondary harm against the victim is occurring even before the truth is confirmed.
Additionally, regarding a report by an internet media outlet that "Mayor Park learned of the sexual harassment accusation early morning on the 9th through notification from the Blue House," Spokesperson Kang dismissed it as "groundless," stating, "The Blue House has never notified related matters."
Meanwhile, Lee Hae-chan, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, who caused controversy by swearing at reporters asking about the sexual harassment allegations at Mayor Park's funeral, apologized around 5:20 p.m. that day, saying, "I apologize for the situation that has come to this," "and express my condolences for the pain of the victimized woman. The party will do its best to prevent such incidents from happening in the future." However, Lee did not apologize directly; instead, Kang Hoon-sik, the Democratic Party's chief spokesperson, conveyed the apology on his behalf.
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