Sexual Harassment Allegations Against Park Won-soon, "64.4% Say 'Investigation Needed'"

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hye-min] A public opinion poll revealed that more than six out of ten people believe a thorough investigation is necessary regarding the sexual harassment allegations against the late Park Won-soon, former mayor of Seoul.

According to Realmeter, which conducted the poll on the necessity of investigating the allegations at the request of OhmyNews on the 14th, 64.4% responded that an investigation is needed, as announced on the 15th. Those who said an investigation was unnecessary accounted for 29.1%, while 6.5% were unsure.

The perception that a thorough investigation is necessary was widespread regardless of region, age, gender, or ideological inclination.

In particular, younger age groups showed higher support for an investigation. Among those in their 20s, 76.1% said an investigation was necessary, followed by 70.8% in their 30s. The figures for those in their 40s, 60s, and 70 and older were 63.4%, 60.5%, and 58.7%, respectively. The 50s age group showed the lowest support at 56.1%.

By ideological stance, a majority in progressive, moderate, and conservative groups all supported the need for an investigation. Among conservatives, 77.8% said a thorough investigation was necessary, with moderates at 68.3% and progressives at 53.2% also showing majority support.

By political party support, 86.7% of supporters of the United Future Party said an investigation was necessary, along with 74.2% of non-affiliated voters and 71.4% of Justice Party supporters. However, among supporters of the Democratic Party of Korea, 50.8% responded that an investigation was unnecessary, which was a higher proportion. Supporters of the Open Democratic Party showed 45.2% saying 'investigation unnecessary' and 42.9% saying 'investigation necessary.'

By region, a majority in all areas supported the need for an investigation. The highest support was in Gyeonggi and Incheon at 69.2%, followed by Daegu and Gyeongbuk at 67.0%, Seoul at 64.9%, Daejeon, Sejong, and Chungcheong at 62.5%, Busan, Ulsan, and Gyeongnam at 62.0%, and Gwangju and Jeolla at 51.3%.

The survey contacted 16,579 adults aged 18 and older nationwide, with a final response of 1,000 people, resulting in a response rate of 6.1%. The sampling error is ±3.1 percentage points at a 95% confidence level.