Police Close Sexual Harassment Case Involving Former Justice Party Leader Kim Jong-cheol

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Jung-yoon] The police, who had been investigating the sexual harassment allegations against former Justice Party leader Kim Jong-chul filed by civic groups, have closed the case.

According to the police on the 14th, the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency dismissed the case on the 9th and decided not to prosecute. Under relevant laws, the prosecution may request a reinvestigation if necessary.

Earlier in January, civic groups including Halbindan filed a complaint against former leader Kim on charges of forcible molestation. Since the 2013 amendment of related laws, sexual crimes such as forcible molestation have become offenses punishable by third-party complaints, and the police accepted the complaint.

Regarding the complaint, Jang Hye-young, a Justice Party lawmaker and the victim, explicitly expressed opposition, calling it a "reckless act that hinders my return to daily life," and reportedly sent a statement to the police indicating she did not want the investigation to proceed.

A police official stated, "We did not investigate former leader Kim," adding, "The complainants did not know the exact circumstances at the time, and since the victim did not want the investigation, there was no specific fact to investigate the suspect."