Lee Nak-yeon "Apologize to the Victim Complainant"... Jin Joong-kwon "Means Cannot Recognize as Victim"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Won Dara] Lee Nak-yeon, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, is also causing controversy by referring to the victims of the Park Won-soon Seoul mayor incident as 'victim complainants.'

On the afternoon of the 15th, former Dongyang University professor Jin Joong-kwon quoted Lee's Facebook post and criticized, "Lee also participated in secondary victimization," adding, "I absolutely do not call them victims. Officially, it means that they cannot be recognized as victims."

In his post, Lee stated, "I painfully accept the words of the complainants who claim to have been harmed, especially their desperate cries that no one listened even when they complained about the damage. I empathize with the disappointment and anger felt by the public." He continued, "I bow my head and apologize to the victim complainants and the public. I will reflect deeply. The Democratic Party and I will do what we must."

Earlier, Lee Hae-chan, leader of the Democratic Party, also faced similar criticism when he said at the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly that morning, "I apologize to the public," and "I hope Seoul City will clarify the circumstances of the incident according to the wishes of the complainants." Professor Jin pointed out, "Creating and using the social dialect 'victim complainants' ultimately means the party's position is 'there are no victims, therefore there are no perpetrators.'"

Lee did not comment on whether he would run as a candidate in next year's Seoul mayoral by-election. According to Article 92, Paragraph 2 of the Democratic Party's bylaws, "If an elected official belonging to the party loses their position due to a serious wrongdoing such as corruption, the party shall not recommend a candidate for the by-election in the relevant electoral district." However, voices within the party are calling for amending the bylaws to field a candidate in next year's by-election.

Meanwhile, as a future measure, Lee said, "First, we will do our best to protect the victim complainants," adding, "I hope the police and Seoul City will respond responsibly so that the complainants and their families are safe and their daily lives are restored. The Democratic Party will also fulfill its role."

He continued, "We must strengthen the party's education and discipline on human rights, gender equality, and gender awareness," stating, "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 action such as conducting a full inspection of party-affiliated local government heads and lawmakers, and taking appropriate measures if sexual misconduct is confirmed."

He added, "We will establish and implement definite prevention measures. We will make every effort to dismantle the oppression of women," and concluded, "I will make this the most important task in future legislative activities and party operations and put it into practice."