Breaking Silence, Lee Nak-yeon Apologizes to Victims and the Public... Pledges Cooperation for Truth Investigation

"I will strongly respond by requesting the party to make gender sensitivity education regular"

Lee Nak-yeon, member of the Democratic Party of Korea. Photo by Asia Economy DB

[Asia Economy Reporter Heo Midam] Lee Nak-yeon, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, apologized on the 15th regarding the sexual harassment allegations against the late Park Won-soon, former mayor of Seoul, saying, "I bow my head and apologize to the victim complainant and the people."

In a post on his Facebook on the same day, Lee said, "We solemnly concluded Mayor Park Won-soon's funeral. Leaving behind the grief of seeing him off, now we must reflect on the tasks he left behind."

He continued, "I painfully accept the words of the complainant who claims to be a victim, especially the desperate cry that no one listened even when she complained about the harm," and added, "I empathize with the disappointment and anger felt by the people."

After expressing his apology to the complainant, he emphasized, "I will reflect deeply. The Democratic Party of Korea and I will duly fulfill our responsibilities."

Lee said, "First, we will do our best to protect the complainant," and urged, "I hope the police, Seoul city, and others will respond responsibly so that the safety of the complainant and her family is ensured and their daily lives are restored."

He added, "The Democratic Party will also fulfill its role," and said, "I believe the people will also participate. Especially, I hope the truth of the incident will be clarified. All related institutions and individuals must cooperate in uncovering the truth. The Democratic Party will also cooperate to the fullest extent."

He then stated, "We must strengthen the party's education and discipline regarding human rights, gender equality, and gender awareness," and raised his voice, saying, "I will request the party to make gender awareness education regular and mandatory, include it as a condition for public office candidates, and take strong measures such as conducting a full inspection of party-affiliated local government heads and lawmakers, and taking appropriate action if sexual misconduct is confirmed."

He also emphasized again, "We will establish and implement definite prevention measures," and said, "No one will be left unprotected even if there is harm in front of power. Furthermore, we will make every effort to dismantle the oppressive structure against women in our society."

Finally, he concluded his statement by saying, "I will make such matters the most important tasks in future legislative activities and party management and put them into practice. I apologize once again to the complainant and the people."

Earlier, Lee Hae-chan, leader of the Democratic Party, said at the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly in the morning, "Two of our party's metropolitan government heads have resigned," and added, "As party leader, I feel deeply devastated and have no words to say to the people. I apologize to the people once again."

He continued, "I deeply feel responsible for causing great disappointment to the people and the administrative vacuum," and said, "I offer my deepest condolences to the pain experienced by the victim complainant and, as the leader of the Democratic Party, I sincerely apologize once again for this situation."