Sim Sang-jung, leader of the Justice Party, is entering the funeral hall set up for the late Park Won-soon, Mayor of Seoul, at Seoul National University Hospital in Jongno-gu, Seoul, on the 10th. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@
[Asia Economy Reporter Park Cheol-eung] Sim Sang-jung, leader of the Justice Party, apologized for the concerns about secondary harm caused by some party members’ actions toward the victims who filed complaints during the funeral period of the late Park Won-soon, former Mayor of Seoul, saying, "If we have hurt the mourning feelings of the bereaved family and citizens, I sincerely apologize." She also urged a thorough investigation, stating, "Now is the time for truth and solidarity."
At the Justice Party’s parliamentary meeting on the 14th, Leader Sim said, "During the mourning period, the Justice Party reflected on the deceased’s public achievements, and current and former members, including myself, paid respects and prayed for his repose," adding, "At the same time, we clearly stated our position that the pain of the victims who filed complaints should not be aggravated."
She continued, "Our position, both mine and the Justice Party’s, was that expressing condolences during the funeral period and showing solidarity with the victims are not mutually exclusive," and said, "Two lawmakers, Ryu Ho-jeong and Jang Hye-young, placed emphasis on firmly expressing solidarity to prevent the intensification of secondary harm toward the victims. If their messages hurt the mourning feelings of the bereaved family and citizens, I sincerely apologize as the party leader."
Leader Sim added, "Given the significant social controversy, there is also considerable debate within the party. Since the Justice Party has always been at the forefront of social change, I believe that intense internal discussions are part of the process through which the party becomes stronger and more mature."
Regarding the investigation, she said, "Now is the time for truth and solidarity," and stated, "The Justice Party believes that one person escaping discrimination, one woman becoming free from violence, is the starting point for a society where everyone is safe."
She further said, "Our society must respond so that the pain and suffering of the victims do not end with their cries," and urged, "Especially the political circles must do their best together to properly reveal the truth of this case and restore the dignity of the victims."
Leader Sim emphasized, "The Seoul Metropolitan Government must conduct a thorough investigation into this case and simultaneously make the best efforts to prevent secondary harm such as the spread of false information and criticism during the process. The police must clearly disclose the results of the investigation so far and promptly investigate the complaints regarding secondary harm."
She urgently called on all political parties to enact laws to prevent secondary harm from sexual violence and sexual harassment.
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