Seo Jeong-hyeop Acting Governor "Humbly Accepts Human Rights Commission Results... Actively Implements Measures to Prevent Recurrence"

"Request to Stop Secondary Harm and Exhaustive Debates"... Active Protection Measures for Victimized Employees Also Established

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] The Seoul Metropolitan Government has stated that it humbly accepts the results of the National Human Rights Commission's investigation related to the late former Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon with a stance of reflection and introspection, and will actively implement measures to prevent recurrence.

On the 26th, Seo Jeong-hyeop, Acting Mayor of Seoul, said in a statement this afternoon, "Yesterday, the National Human Rights Commission concluded a six-month ex officio investigation and announced the results," adding, "Seoul City, as a responsible party in this incident, humbly accepts the Human Rights Commission's investigation results with a stance of reflection and introspection."

He continued, "We sincerely apologize to the victimized employees and their families who have endured a painful time due to this incident, as well as to the citizens who have been greatly concerned and disappointed."

Acting Mayor Seo also urged, "Now that the National Human Rights Commission's investigation results have been released, we earnestly request that secondary harm causing further wounds to the victims and unproductive debates be stopped."

Since the National Human Rights Commission recommended measures through the announcement of this investigation result, Seoul City declared it will strictly implement the recommendations.

Acting Mayor Seo emphasized, "Seoul City will take the National Human Rights Commission's investigation results as an opportunity for reform and make every effort to prevent recurrence," adding, "We will faithfully implement the Seoul City special measures to eradicate gender discrimination and sexual harassment without fail, and prepare additional measures to strictly comply with the Commission's recommendations."

Furthermore, he added, "Above all, to ensure that the victims can return to a peaceful daily life, we will prioritize the wishes of the victimized employees and actively prepare protective measures, as well as implement concrete measures to prevent secondary harm."

He also pledged to review the entire Seoul City organization and strive to restore trust. Acting Mayor Seo said, "We will use the investigation results as a stepping stone for self-purification and review the entire organization," adding, "We will rigorously examine both internal and external realities to ensure that there are no recurring issues under the name of customs, so that the workplace guarantees the human rights of all employees and becomes a gender-equal environment."

He continued, "Under the unwavering goal of Seoul as a gender-equal city, Seoul City will devote all efforts to restoring citizens' trust and the prompt return of victims to their daily lives."