Ryu Ho-jeong: "Many things to say about the Democratic Party's shock... but I will uphold the zero-tolerance principle"

"'You Are Not Different Either' Willing to Accept Criticism"

Ryu Ho-jeong, a member of the Justice Party, is attending a party meeting at the National Assembly on the 26th with a serious expression. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Juhee] Ryu Hojung, a Justice Party lawmaker, stated on the 26th regarding the incident in which party leader Kim Jongcheol sexually harassed lawmaker Jang Hyeyeong, and the Democratic Party's comment calling it "an appalling matter," that "there is much to say, but we will investigate with a zero-tolerance policy."

In an interview with MBC Radio's 'Kim Jongbae's Focus,' Ryu said, "I thought the party was diligently implementing gender equality rules, manuals, and education, but since what we thought was the answer has failed, we need to find a more fundamental solution."

Ryu added, "It is necessary to review the overall gender equality culture within the party, including investigating whether other incidents have occurred," and lamented, "As a female politician active in the party, I felt our shelter was relatively safe, but it seems that was all an illusion."

She continued, "There is no excuse needed; the criticism that 'you all were no different' is absolutely right, and we must accept whatever criticism comes."

When asked about the cause of this incident, she said, "It is not a situation where we can pinpoint a structural cause," and emphasized, "Sexual misconduct by politicians has been repeatedly exposed, and I think it is not unrelated to the nature of power. Therefore, stronger monitoring and control are necessary."

Ryu stated, "The Democratic Party advised us to investigate with a zero-tolerance policy and to prevent further harm, and I promise clearly and precisely that we will do exactly that."

Regarding whether the Justice Party will field candidates in the upcoming Seoul and Busan mayoral by-elections scheduled for April, she responded, "With what face can we now predict election prospects?" and said, "I have learned that if there is wrongdoing, we must focus first on sincere reflection, apology, and correcting the situation."

Meanwhile, on the previous day (the 25th), the Justice Party announced that on the 15th, party leader Kim had sexually harassed lawmaker Jang, and that Kim was reported to the Central Party Ethics Committee and suspended from his position.

Bae Bokju, the Justice Party's Deputy Leader and Head of the Gender and Human Rights Bureau, held an emergency press conference at the National Assembly Communication Office, stating, "It is very shameful and distressing news to share. The sexual harassment incident involving party leader Kim Jongcheol," and added, "Given the seriousness of the incident involving none other than the party leader, a grave and solemn discussion was held, and a swift decision was made."

However, the Justice Party stated that, according to the wishes of the victim, lawmaker Jang, they will not consider filing a criminal complaint against Kim.