Joo Ho-young: "Lee Hae-chan's Apology Lacks Sincerity... Victim's Statement Constitutes Secondary Harm"

Joo Ho-young, floor leader of the United Future Party, is attending a party meeting held at the National Assembly on the 15th and delivering an opening remark. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyemin] On the 15th, Joo Ho-young, floor leader of the United Future Party, criticized Lee Hae-chan, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, for apologizing regarding the sexual harassment allegations against the late Park Won-soon, former mayor of Seoul, saying, "He reflected without sincerity because he couldn't endure public opinion."

Joo held a party meeting at the National Assembly in the afternoon and said, "It is very regrettable that they referred to the victim as a 'person claiming to be a victim' instead of a victim, which led to secondary victimization."

He added, "The Democratic Party said that if an elected official belonging to the party is involved in corruption and loses their position, they will not recommend a candidate for the by-election, yet there are already talks about revising the party constitution to allow nominations. I find this attitude of reflection truly pathetic." He further stated, "I believe the public will clearly see and judge this hypocrisy and double standards."

Regarding Seoul City's announcement to investigate the facts, Joo also criticized, "They repeatedly ignored the victim's appeals and caused direct and indirect harm. An internal investigation is like entrusting a fish shop to a cat."

He said, "There is evidence that someone at Seoul City Hall received contact related to the leakage of official secrets. Seoul City should not be the subject of the investigation." He insisted, "The case should be promptly transferred to the prosecution, which should establish a special prosecutor or special investigation team to thoroughly investigate the process of leaking official secrets and any conspiracy to cover it up, holding responsible parties accountable."

Joo also criticized the Korean New Deal comprehensive plan unveiled by President Moon Jae-in the day before, saying, "Although embellished with rhetoric, there is almost no new content. The term ends in 2022, so setting a plan for 2025 is also unsatisfactory, and the government's starting point of creating temporary jobs with the budget is flawed."

He added, "They are trying to deceive and pass over with short-term jobs rather than sustainable future-oriented jobs. Although called the Green New Deal, it only includes expanding renewable energy such as solar power. Due to failures in energy policy, KEPCO is experiencing massive deficits, making electricity rate hikes inevitable. They are trying to cover up government failures with taxpayers' money," he criticized.