First Official Statement on Allegations Related to the Late Mayor Park
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@
[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 Park Won-soon, former mayor of Seoul. This is the first official measure taken by the Seoul city government since the news of the late Mayor Park’s death was announced on the 10th. Along with this, the city also presented plans to thoroughly prevent secondary harm to the victim and to help them return to daily life as soon as possible.
Hwang In-sik, spokesperson for the Seoul Metropolitan Government, announced the Seoul city government's position on "Fact-finding regarding employee human rights violations" at a briefing held at Seoul City Hall on the morning of the 15th. The city expressed its determination to prioritize blocking secondary harm to the employee who has reported the damage.
He stated that an official document has been issued to protect the identity of the employee in question and to prevent disclosure, distribution, or personal attacks within the organization. Furthermore, if secondary harm is confirmed, strict measures will be taken, including disciplinary action against the involved parties as well as accountability for department heads. Spokesperson Hwang earnestly requested, "We also sincerely ask the media and citizens to stop indiscriminate reporting or criticism of the employee in question."
The city will also provide effective and sufficient support to help the victimized employee return to daily life. After consulting with experts, the city plans to actively support counseling and mental health treatment, therapeutic recovery programs for physical and emotional healing, housing safety support, and other related matters.
Additionally, the city will form a public-private joint investigation team consisting of external experts such as women’s organizations, human rights specialists, and legal professionals to thoroughly investigate the facts. The composition, operation methods, and schedule of the investigation team will be specifically discussed with women’s organizations and others.
Spokesperson Hwang said, "The Seoul Metropolitan Government sympathizes with the pain and suffering of the employee who reported the damage through a women’s organization press conference and offers sincere condolences," adding, "We will do our best to heal the confusion and wounds faced by employees amid the unprecedented situation of the mayor’s vacancy and to ensure they can focus on their work without disruption."
Regarding why the victim is referred to as the "employee reporting damage," Hwang explained, "That is the judgment for now," and added that the city has not yet been able to contact the female employee at the city level. On the circumstances under which the late Mayor Park was informed of the accusation, he said, "Since this is a very important matter, (Im Soon-young) the gender special advisor should disclose it directly."
Below is the full text of the Seoul Metropolitan Government’s statement.
We will stand with the employee reporting damage through all possible measures.
- Seoul Metropolitan Government’s Position on Fact-finding Regarding Employee Human Rights Violations -
The Seoul Metropolitan Government sympathizes with the pain and suffering of the employee who reported damage through a women’s organization press conference and offers sincere condolences.
As colleagues who breathe and work closely together, our hearts are even heavier. The Seoul Metropolitan Government intends to stand with the employee reporting damage through all possible measures.
First, the Seoul Metropolitan Government will prioritize blocking secondary harm to the employee reporting damage. The city has already issued an official document to protect the identity of the employee and to prevent disclosure, distribution, or personal attacks within the organization. If secondary harm is confirmed, strict measures such as disciplinary action will be taken, and department heads will also be held accountable. We earnestly request the media and citizens to stop indiscriminate reporting or criticism of the employee in question.
Second, the Seoul Metropolitan Government will spare no effort to provide effective, sufficient, and maximum support so that the employee reporting damage can return to daily life. After various expert consultations, the city 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’ consisting of external experts such as women’s organizations, human rights specialists, and legal professionals to thoroughly investigate the facts. The formation and operation of the investigation team will ensure fairness and objectivity. The city will specifically discuss the composition, operation methods, and schedule of the investigation team with women’s organizations and others.
Fourth, amid the unprecedented situation of the mayor’s vacancy, the Seoul Metropolitan Government will also work to stabilize the organization so that employees can heal the confusion and wounds they face and focus on their work without disruption. Internal communication will be strengthened centered on 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 best to ensure that all employees can renew their spirit and move forward during this major turning point. We ask for the citizens’ support as well. Thank you.
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