Gangdong-gu Mayor Lee Jeong-hoon Booked by Police for Alleged Wife Assault
Ha Tae-kyung: "A Mayor Accused of Wife Assault Emerges from the Democratic Party"
[Asia Economy Reporter Heo Midam] Lee Jeong-hoon (54), the mayor of Gangdong-gu, Seoul, is under police investigation on charges of assaulting his wife. On the 5th, Ha Tae-kyung, a member of the People Power Party, sharply criticized, saying, "Not only sexual crimes but now even assault, is the Democratic Party a party that abuses women?" Lee was an education special advisor to Moon Jae-in, the Democratic Party candidate, during the 19th presidential election in 2017.
Ha, a presidential candidate from the People Power Party, wrote on his Facebook on the same day, "In the Democratic Party that always talks about 'women's rights,' now a local leader who assaulted his wife has appeared," expressing his criticism.
He pointed out, "Lee is also accused of injuring his wife by punching her face in a park a year ago," adding, "At this point, he seems to be a habitual offender."
He continued, "Although the victimized wife submitted a letter of no prosecution, it is uncertain whether this was her own will based on the circumstances, and the risk of reoffending appears high," he criticized.
Furthermore, he said, "The police should not let this case slide but thoroughly investigate it according to principles, just like other domestic violence cases," and mocked, "Of course, since the suspect is a Democratic Party figure, the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family does not need to intervene."
Earlier, Lee was booked by the police and is under investigation for assaulting his spouse. He is accused of restraining and twisting the wrist of his wife, Ms. A, around 8:30 p.m. on the 15th of last month in an apartment parking lot in Songpa-gu, Seoul.
Lee is also accused of punching Ms. A in the face and causing injury while they were talking in a park in front of an apartment in Gangdong-gu, Seoul, in July of last year. It is reported that the two argued over an issue related to people around Lee.
Meanwhile, Lim Seung-ho, spokesperson for the People Power Party, also issued a statement, saying, "'Why are President Moon Jae-in's remarks about responding firmly to domestic violence and the Democratic Party's actions so different?' Lee should apologize for the controversy, and the Democratic Party must take responsible measures regarding Lee," raising his voice.
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