Jeong Cheong-rae "Did the Press Conference by Park Won-soon's Victims Have to Be on the Funeral Day?"

Attorney Kim Jae-ryeon, representing the victim who accused the late Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon of sexual harassment and other charges, held a press conference and made a statement on the afternoon of the 13th at the office of Korea Women's Hotline in Eunpyeong-gu, Seoul.
From left: Song Ran-hee, Secretary General of Korea Women's Hotline; Lee Mi-kyung, Director of Korea Sexual Violence Counseling Center; Go Mi-kyung, Executive Director of Korea Women's Hotline; Kim Jae-ryeon, Chief Attorney of On-Sesang Law Firm; Kim Hye-jung, Deputy Director of Korea Sexual Violence Counseling Center. Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kim Seul-gi] On the 13th, a woman who accused the late Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon of sexual violence expressed her position through her lawyer, while Jeong Cheong-rae, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, said, "I have mixed feelings. Did it have to be today?"

In an interview with YTN Radio's 'Lee Dong-hyung's News Face-off' on the same day, Rep. Jeong said, "I wondered if the press conference really had to be held today. I believe the public will make that judgment," adding, "I hope people look at the facts as they are, separating the merits from the faults."

Regarding the recent 'resignation crisis' in the Justice Party related to condolences for Mayor Park, he said, "I wonder if it was really necessary to do that. Rep. Shim Sang-jung did pay her respects. Was this a strategic move? I don't think so," and pointed out, "Some went to pay respects, some did not. If you don't go, then just don't go."

He added, "The Justice Party is receiving a lot of criticism. Isn't it due to lack of political skills and experience? They are saying things that don't need to be said."

He continued, "If Rep. Roh Hoe-chan were alive, what would he have said to the Justice Party members who refused to attend the condolences? I hope those involved have thought about this at least once," and questioned, "Isn't human decency more important than party loyalty?"

Earlier, the former secretary A, who filed a complaint against Mayor Park for sexual harassment and other charges, held a press conference and released a statement from the complainant. In the statement, the complainant appealed, "I wanted to receive fair and equal protection under the law to protect myself, powerless and weak, against enormous power. I hope to fully recover the painful daily life and safety of myself and my family."