[Full Text] Seoul City's Position on the Investigation of Employee Human Rights Violations

[Asia Economy Reporter Jo In-kyung] The Seoul Metropolitan Government has decided to form a 'Public-Private Joint Investigation Team' to clarify various allegations surrounding the late former Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon. They also announced measures to thoroughly prevent secondary harm to the victim and help them return to daily life as soon as possible.

Below is the full text of the announcement.

Hwang In-sik, spokesperson for the Seoul Metropolitan Government, is reading the Seoul city government's official statement on the investigation into employee human rights violations at the city hall press room on the 15th. / Photo by Moon Ho-nam munonam@

We will stand with the employee who reported the harm through all possible measures.

- Seoul Metropolitan Government's Position on the Investigation into Employee Human Rights Violations -

The Seoul Metropolitan Government expresses deep sympathy and sincere condolences for the pain and suffering of the employee who reported harm through a women's organization press conference.

As colleagues who have worked closely together, our hearts are even heavier. The Seoul Metropolitan Government intends to stand with the employee who reported harm through all possible measures.

First, the Seoul Metropolitan Government will prioritize blocking any secondary harm to the employee who reported the harm. The Seoul Metropolitan Government has already issued official documents to protect the identity of the employee and to prevent disclosure, distribution, or personal attacks within the organization. If secondary harm is confirmed, strict disciplinary actions will be taken, and department heads will also be held accountable. We earnestly request the media and citizens to cease indiscriminate reporting or criticism of the employee.

Second, the Seoul Metropolitan Government will spare no effort to provide effective, sufficient, and maximum support so that the employee who reported harm can return to daily life. After consulting various experts, we will actively support counseling and mental health treatment, therapeutic recovery programs for physical and emotional healing, housing safety support, and other related matters.

Third, the Seoul Metropolitan Government will form a ‘Public-Private Joint Investigation Team’ including women's organizations, human rights experts, and legal professionals to conduct a thorough fact-finding investigation. The formation and operation of the joint investigation team will ensure fairness and objectivity. Details regarding the team’s composition, operation methods, and schedule will be discussed concretely with women's organizations and others.

Fourth, amid the unprecedented situation of the mayoral vacancy, the Seoul Metropolitan Government will also focus on stabilizing the organization to heal the confusion and wounds faced by employees and enable them to work steadily. Internal communication will be strengthened, led by the acting mayor and city executives, to firmly establish trust and cooperation among employees as the driving force of city administration.

The Seoul Metropolitan Government will do its utmost to move forward with renewed determination during this significant period of change. We ask for the support of all citizens. Thank you.

July 15, 2020

Hwang In-sik, Spokesperson of Seoul Metropolitan Government