Subordinate Sexual Assault Allegation: Changnyeong-gun Subordinate Institution Head Attempts Extreme Action, Critical Condition

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Lee Sang-hyun] A director A (in his 50s) under Changnyeong-gun, Gyeongnam Province, attempted an extreme act after allegations arose that he sexually assaulted a female subordinate employee three times.

According to the Changnyeong-gun Justice Practice Solidarity on the 10th, a female employee B (in her 50s) affiliated with Changnyeong-gun filed a complaint against A with the police on the 6th.

B claimed that she was sexually assaulted by A three times in total: twice in 2015 and once in 2016, and is reportedly suffering from mental and physical damage as a result.

In relation to this, the Solidarity held a press conference on the morning of the 9th in front of Changnyeong-gun Office, urging a thorough investigation into the sexual assault allegations against the Changnyeong-gun official.

At the press conference, they stated, "B rejected texts and calls from A, but A persistently summoned B, saying 'You are ignoring me,' and sexually assaulted her in 2015 and 2016."

They also said, "He tried to cover up the incident by involving a local reporter and offering 7 million won to coerce the drafting of a settlement agreement."

A civic group official said, "After A was appointed as the head of the affiliated institution where B works in 2019, he threatened her during the personnel process by saying 'Don't make an issue of this,' and even committed secondary harm."

A, who was identified as the perpetrator of the sexual assault, reportedly attempted an extreme act on the morning of the 8th after visiting his late father's grave and calling his wife. Rescued by paramedics, A is currently receiving hospital treatment but is said to be in critical condition.

Changnyeong-gun expressed deep regret to the residents regarding the allegations related to workplace sexual violence and stated, "If criminal charges are confirmed through investigation, we will take strict measures immediately according to the disciplinary standards for public officials."