Lee Su-jeong: "How Can an Organization That Doesn't Use the Term 'Victim' Conduct a Truth Investigation?"

Professor Lee Su-jeong, Department of Criminal Psychology, Kyonggi University. / Photo by Hyunmin Kim kimhyun81@

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kang Joo-hee] Professor Lee Soo-jung of the Department of Criminal Psychology at Kyonggi University raised criticism regarding the designation of the accuser in the late Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon's sexual harassment allegation case as a 'complainant' instead of a 'victim,' saying, "How can they conduct a fact-finding investigation without even calling her a victim?"

In an interview with KBS Radio's 'Kim Kyung-rae's Strongest Current Affairs' on the 15th, Professor Lee pointed out, "Being called a victim itself causes another sense of deprivation," and added, "I question whether they are making proper efforts for a fact-finding investigation."

Professor Lee stated, "The victim suffered harm over a long period and repeatedly sought help within the organization. Yet, they kept denying it by saying, 'You are mistaken,' or 'Such harm could not have occurred,' and did not proceed with the process," adding, "Therefore, the accuser's claim of harm appears quite credible, and based on the lawyer's statements, it seems highly likely that there is evidence corresponding to sexual harassment."

Regarding Seoul City's announcement on the 15th to form a 'Public-Private Joint Investigation Team' to uncover the truth, she criticized, "The organization that neither accepted the complaint nor even referred to her as a victim is now saying they will conduct a fact-finding investigation," and expressed doubt about "whether they are making genuine efforts for a proper investigation."

On the recurring issue of sexual scandals involving high-ranking public officials, following former Chungnam Governor Ahn Hee-jung and Busan Mayor Oh Keo-don, Professor Lee analyzed, "It seems there is a serious problem in the system," and explained, "The common factor is that they are elected officials, and elected officials have very solid organizations with people they have worked with since the election, so there may have been variables causing the existing organizational procedures to malfunction."

Regarding the disclosure of victims' personal information and personal attacks occurring, she urged, "Secondary damage to victims is blatantly happening online, but legally it is a situation where punishment is not possible," and called for "the establishment of legislation that can provide relief from secondary damage."