[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Dong-hoon] It has been over 100 days since the death of the late Park Won-soon, former Mayor of Seoul. Since his tragic decision, our society has yet to resolve the issues of uncovering the truth behind the sexual harassment allegations and addressing secondary victimization.
The investigations and inquiries surrounding former Mayor Park have faced difficulties. Park left a suicide note and disappeared on July 9, and his body was found in a mountain area in Seongbuk-gu, Seoul. Although his former secretary, Ms. A, had filed a sexual harassment complaint against him, the prosecution rights were lost due to the suspect’s death, and the police investigation was blocked from the start.
The police are approaching the case through investigations into the circumstances and causes of the death, classified as an unnatural death case, as well as inquiries into allegations of complicity and tacit approval of sexual harassment by Seoul city officials. However, after 100 days, contrary to expectations, there has been almost no progress in the investigation.
The investigation effectively came to a halt after the late Mayor Park’s bereaved family filed a petition for a provisional injunction and suspension of the forensic examination procedure on his work mobile phone, which is part of the belongings, in July. The police have stated that they need a decision on the petition before they can reapply for a search warrant and continue the investigation.
The police are also investigating allegations of complicity in sexual harassment by Seoul city employees, but this area is also challenging. Four suspects, including former Seoul City Secretary-General Kim Joo-myung, who were accused of aiding sexual harassment, and about 20 witnesses have been questioned by the police. However, they continue to claim that they were unaware of the sexual harassment incidents.
The National Human Rights Commission of Korea is conducting an ex officio investigation related to the sexual harassment allegations against the late Mayor Park, aiming to announce the results within the year. The Commission conducted an on-site investigation at Seoul City Hall on the 24th of last month, but it is reported that current and former key Seoul city officials still refuse to cooperate with the investigation. Amid the stalled investigation, pro-government online communities have effectively made the late Mayor Park a 'taboo topic.'
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