Kim Jong-cheol Emphasizes "Gender Equality Society" Before Resigning Over Sexual Harassment... Justice Party Faces Its Greatest Crisis

Kim Jong-cheol, Leader of the Justice Party, Resigns Over Sexual Harassment of Lawmaker Jang Hye-young
"I Will Change the Low-Level Sexual Awareness," Apologizes

Kim Jong-cheol, CEO Kim Jong-cheol, is holding a New Year's press conference at the National Assembly on the 20th./Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Juhee] On the 25th, Kim Jong-cheol, leader of the Justice Party, resigned from his position after it was revealed that he sexually harassed fellow party member Jang Hye-young.

This came about three months after he took office as party leader in October last year as the so-called 'post-Sim Sang-jung.' The Justice Party, a progressive party that has emphasized women's and minority rights, including leading efforts to enact anti-discrimination laws, now faces its greatest crisis since its founding due to the disgraceful resignation of its leader over sexual harassment.

On the morning of the same day, Bae Bok-joo, deputy leader and head of the Justice Party's Gender and Human Rights Headquarters, held a briefing at the National Assembly, stating, "Today, I must share very embarrassing and distressing news with party members and the public. The sexual harassment incident involving Justice Party leader Kim Jong-cheol occurred on January 15, and the victim is party member and National Assembly member Jang Hye-young."

Deputy Leader Bae added, "After much deliberation, on the 18th, Representative Jang informed me, as head of the Gender and Human Rights Headquarters, about the incident. This is an indisputable and clear case of sexual harassment. The perpetrator, Kim Jong-cheol, has admitted to all the facts. I can say that no further investigation is necessary to confirm the facts."

Subsequently, interviews and investigations were conducted at the Gender and Human Rights Headquarters level with Kim and Representative Jang, and it was reported that former leader Kim apologized after Jang raised the issue.

On the same day, Representative Jang posted on her Facebook about the sexual harassment, saying, "The shock and pain of having my dignity as an equal human being violated by the party leader, who was a political comrade shouting together for the eradication of gender violence and someone I deeply trusted, were truly immense."

She continued, "Nevertheless, I decided to raise this issue and hold public accountability because I believe this is the way to restore my dignity as a human being and return to everyday life, as well as the way to protect the Justice Party, which I deeply love and belong to, and our society."

Jang Hye-young, Justice Party member./Photo by Yonhap News

The Justice Party has been recognized for successfully differentiating itself from the Democratic Party of Korea by leading 'gender issues' as a progressive party. Last June, it took the lead in protecting minority rights by proposing the 'Anti-Discrimination Act.' Former leader Kim also emphasized women's rights and gender equality, addressing issues such as gender discrimination, violence against women, and homophobia.

In November last year, Kim congratulated the 32nd anniversary of the Women's Newspaper, stating, "The Justice Party, which pursues feminism, will strive to make 2020, the 32nd anniversary of the Women's Newspaper, a historic year in which abortion is not criminalized," and added, "I hope the Justice Party and the Women's Newspaper will work together toward a gender-equal society free from sexual violence and discrimination." However, with Kim's disgraceful exit due to sexual harassment allegations, there are evaluations that the Justice Party's identity has also been shaken.

Kim admitted to the sexual harassment and expressed his apology. In a statement released that day, he said, "I bow my head and apologize to the victim. I also offer my deep apologies to party members and the public. The victim protested my abusive behavior, and I apologized afterward, but as the leader of a public party, this was not something that could be overlooked."

He added, "No matter what responsibility I take now, it will be difficult to erase my abusive behavior. I will reflect on my actions going forward and strive to change my low and immature awareness of sexuality."

Meanwhile, before the press conference, the Justice Party held a leadership meeting and decided to file a complaint with the Central Party Disciplinary Committee as part of the party's disciplinary procedures and suspended former leader Kim from his position.

It is reported that Representative Jang does not intend to pursue legal actions such as criminal charges against former leader Kim.