Lee Hae-chan "Apologize to the Public... Will Strengthen Gender Sensitivity Training" First Official Apology for Park Won-soon Incident

Lee Hae-chan, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is attending the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly on the 13th and delivering opening remarks. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy reporters Wondara and Jeon Jinyoung] Lee Hae-chan, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, publicly apologized for the Park Won-soon mayor incident for the first time. It has been six days since Mayor Park's death. As a future measure, Lee announced that gender-sensitivity education within the party would be strengthened.

At the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly on the morning of the 15th, Lee said, "Two of our party's metropolitan mayors resigned during their terms, and as the party leader, I feel deeply devastated and have no words to say to the people. Once again, I sincerely apologize to the public."

He continued, "I deeply feel responsible for causing great disappointment to the people and for the administrative vacuum that has occurred," and "As the leader of the Democratic Party, I offer a heartfelt apology once again for this situation."

However, Lee stated that the investigation into the facts related to this incident would be entrusted to the Seoul Metropolitan Government, and the party would strengthen gender-sensitivity education at the party level.

Lee said, "The Democratic Party has firmly upheld a victim-centered approach, and it is natural to ascertain the truth from the victim's perspective in this matter, but I hope the party's position is understood that, due to the absence of the deceased, a factual investigation is realistically difficult."

He added, "I hope the Seoul Metropolitan Government will thoroughly clarify the circumstances of the incident according to the wishes of the victim," and "I earnestly ask once again not to use the pain of the parties involved as a means of political strife or public opinion manipulation."

He then said, "The Democratic Party will prepare extreme measures to block inappropriate behavior by party-affiliated public officials and to establish discipline," and "We will revise party regulations to strengthen gender-sensitivity education for party members. Once again, I offer my deepest apologies to the public."