Lee Su-jeong "Integrated Sexual Violence Special Committee, No Reason to Refuse... Will Propose Policies"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hye-min] Professor Lee Soo-jung of the Department of Criminal Psychology at Kyonggi University, who joined the Future United Party's Special Committee on Sexual Violence Countermeasures, stated on the 3rd, "I could not find a reason to refuse the United Party's proposal," explaining her reason for participation.

Professor Lee appeared on MBC Radio's 'Kim Jong-bae's Focus' that day and said, "I hesitated briefly because I had never worked with the United Party," but added, "Considering the current situation where sexual violence legislation has not passed, I could not find a reason to limit my involvement by party affiliation." She emphasized, "I have no intention of engaging in politics now or in the future."

Regarding criticism suggesting she was unaware of the United Party's past attitude toward such issues, she responded, "It is a valid criticism," and added, "I also thought there was a need for education targeting these individuals." Professor Lee explained, "When the Nth Room case first broke out, there were many complaint emails asking why those who bought sex were punished but those who sold sex were not. I felt that the older generation lacked awareness of the problem, which led young people to commit such crimes. I simply thought that this awareness could be addressed in this way."

Professor Lee stated, "Incidents related to sexual harassment or sexual violence within organizations occur regardless of party affiliation," and said she would actively recommend legislative measures and engage in related activities.

She particularly emphasized, "There are no punishment provisions for secondary victimization acts related to sexual violence by hierarchical or coercive power. I feel the need for legislation, and if possible, I will propose policies on such matters wherever I can," adding, "I will also advocate that the Special Committee on Sexual Violence Countermeasures be formed at the National Assembly level and not be limited to one party."

Regarding the National Human Rights Commission's decision to conduct an ex officio investigation into the sexual harassment case involving the late former Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon, she said, "I highly appreciate the Commission's achievements so far," and added, "(Although there are concerns that the investigation may not be thorough due to lack of investigative authority,) the investigation itself can serve a monitoring function."

On institutional measures to address sexual violence by coercive power, she said, "Punishments have already become very severe, so once proven, there seems to be no major problem," and added, "There is a need to professionalize the investigation process, especially regarding how to prove such cases."