[Reporter’s Notebook] "Out of Fear, Out of Apology" ... The Silence of City Hall Employees

[Asia Economy Reporter Jo In-kyung] "'With phrases like 'Seoul City was complicit' and 'there was an organized cover-up,' even I, a low-level employee, felt like a criminal and became intimidated."

After the death of the late Park Won-soon, former Mayor of Seoul, senior officials and employees at City Hall collectively fell silent. Unlike Park’s close aides or officials in charge who remained silent claiming, "I didn’t know about it," ordinary employees have been holding back their feelings of frustration amid the unsettling and chaotic situation, remaining quiet for three weeks.

An administrative officer working at the main office said, "Right after the sexual harassment allegations against (former Mayor Park) surfaced, a warning came from above that if secondary harm occurred, not only the person involved but also the department head would be severely disciplined. Since then, even in private, no one mentions rumors or information posted online." He added, "We fear internal disciplinary action, but as fellow employees, thinking about the pain the victim must be enduring makes us feel sorry and creates an atmosphere of extra caution."

Another employee nodded and said, "This time, it was revealed that the world of the '6th floor people (political line)' was a thoroughly closed sanctuary. Although not to that extent, it is true that in the civil servant community, where most people spend their entire lives as colleagues, it is difficult to raise issues even when sexual harassment occurs." Regarding this incident, they also said, "We were never forced to remain silent, but there is an atmosphere where we have no choice but to stay silent."

They fear the harsh gaze from outside that views the entire Seoul City Hall as a 'problematic group,' but they are in a position where they cannot get angry or make excuses. An employee working at a city-affiliated organization expressed, "My wife and parents even strongly urged me not to behave in ways that could cause misunderstandings at work, so I feel complicated," and confessed, "When acquaintances call or message to ask how things are at work, I don’t really know what to say."

In this unprecedented situation of a mayoral vacancy and sexual harassment allegations, Seoul City initially awaited the police investigation results, then the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family’s on-site inspection results, and now is waiting for the National Human Rights Commission’s ex officio investigation. They also explained that the plan to form a joint investigation team was scrapped because women’s organizations refused to participate.

However, regarding the raised allegations, even internally, the attitude of waiting only for the results of external agencies’ investigations and inquiries without any explanation raises questions about whether this will truly help uncover the truth or genuinely serve the victim. Some employees already worry that without a proper investigation or punishment, time will just pass, leaving only ineffective measures behind. Senior officials, including the acting mayor, emphasize the 'responsibility of public officials' and encourage employees to focus on their roles and duties, but it is questionable whether Seoul City Hall, where even employees are not safe, can govern for the safety and future of 10 million citizens.

An employee who has been at City Hall for four years said, "As a member of the organization, the more I reflect on the phrase 'silence is also secondary harm,' the more distressed I feel." They appealed, "Please conduct a proper investigation to apologize to the victim and establish strong measures to eradicate sexual harassment and sexual violence not only at City Hall but throughout our society." For the sake of the victim and other members who fear becoming victims, Seoul City must promptly present its own efforts and improvement plans.