'Sexual Harassment Scandal' Justice Party Forms Emergency Response Committee (Comprehensive)

Justice Party leader Kim Jong-chul is holding a New Year's press conference at the National Assembly on the 20th. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Koo Chae-eun] The Justice Party, facing its greatest crisis since its founding due to former leader Kim Jong-cheol's sexual harassment, has entered an 'Emergency Response Committee' system. The committee will be jointly led by Floor Leader Kang Eun-mi and Acting Party Leader Kim Yoon-gi.

On the evening of the 26th, Justice Party Chief Spokesperson Jung Ho-jin announced the results of the strategic council, which included this decision. Chief Spokesperson Jung stated, "In response to the sexual harassment incident involving former leader Kim Jong-cheol, the Justice Party has decided to establish and operate an 'Emergency Response Committee' composed of the parliamentary group and the leadership to responsibly manage and resolve the situation."

The Emergency Response Committee will hold regular daily meetings to manage the situation. The joint meeting of metropolitan and provincial party chairpersons and the decision-making body, the National Committee, will switch to an ad hoc system.

Acting Party Leader Kim Yoon-gi also said in his opening remarks at the strategic council, "We will respond firmly against any sympathy for the perpetrator or blaming of the victim."

Regarding the criminal complaint filed by conservative groups against former leader Kim Jong-cheol, he said, "The victim has already expressed the resolution method they desire, and respecting that is the priority." Conducting an investigation against the victim's wishes is not desirable.

Kim, the acting leader, emphasized, "The Justice Party has raised its voice for a society that respects dignity, gender equality, and human rights, and has made efforts such as gender equality education within the party, but it has become clear that there is still a long way to go."

He added, "We will review whether gender discrimination and sexual violence occur routinely within our party, examine the overall organizational culture, and prepare countermeasures. We will take this as an opportunity for a thorough transformation through painstaking efforts."