[Asia Economy Reporter Han Seung-gon, Intern Reporter Kim Yeon-ju] Amid controversy over Yoon Joon-byeong, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea and former Seoul City Administrative Deputy Mayor, posting a message expressing doubt about the claims of Ms. A, who accused the late Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon of sexual harassment, voices criticizing secondary victimization against the sexual harassment victim are growing louder.
On the 14th, Seo Hye-jin, Director of Human Rights at the Korean Women Lawyers Association, said in an interview with CBS Radio's 'Kim Hyun-jung's News Show,' "I absolutely cannot agree with the idea that such a choice was made due to excessive gender sensitivity," and added, "Rather, Mayor Park made choices that effectively made it difficult to ascertain the truth."
Earlier, on the 13th, Yoon posted on his Facebook, "There was a press conference by the legal representatives of the accuser this afternoon, but having worked as the Administrative Deputy Mayor and knowing the structure of the mayor's office, there were parts I could not understand," and said, "It is up to those remaining to deal with possible misunderstandings caused by symbolic manipulation of language such as bedroom and underwear."
He further stated, "I think Mayor Park answered by his death to prevent secondary harm to the victim," and "He was a pure and proud person, so regardless of the truth of the accusations, he probably felt sorry to those around him simply because he was accused."
Regarding Yoon's remarks, Director Seo criticized, "It is surprising that someone who held a responsible deputy mayor position at Seoul City when the accuser worked as a secretary would make such statements," and said, "These remarks were not a minimum consideration or responsible attitude toward the accuser but rather statements that inflicted greater wounds on her."
She added, "Investigations into the sexual harassment, those who ignored it, and how the accused learned of the facts are all possible," and emphasized, "If the investigative authorities had the will and judged that some fact-finding was necessary, it is a matter where sufficient investigation into the minimum facts could be conducted."
She continued, "Seoul City must take primary responsibility for this case. Both the accuser and the accused belonged to Seoul City. Seoul City is responsible for investigating this case," and added, "It has the minimum obligation to clarify the truth of this case through investigation."
Meanwhile, on the morning of the 14th, Yoon posted an apology on Facebook, saying, "I respect the position of Mayor Park's victim."
He said, "I am sorry for not noticing the victim's pain even though I worked in a space not far away," and "I regret that (Mayor Park) did not express his apologies to the victim before he passed away."
He also explained, "Some reported that I raised suspicions of a fake Me Too, but I had no such intention at all," and added, "I only hope that there will be no further secondary damage to the victim due to fake news, political attacks, and controversies."
He concluded, "I hope the daily life and safety of the victim and her family can be fully restored as soon as possible."
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