Civic Groups Urge Lee Jeong-hoon, Gangdong-gu Mayor, to Resign: "Domestic Violence Is a Clear Crime"

[Photo by Lee Jeong-hoon, Gangdong-gu Mayor, Citizens' Group Condemning Domestic Violence]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Jung-yoon] The "Citizens' Group Condemning Mayor Lee Jung-hoon's Domestic Violence," composed of 15 civic organizations active mainly in Gangdong-gu, Seoul, and the Justice Party Gangdong-gu Committee, held a press conference in front of the Gangdong-gu Office, urging Mayor Lee Jung-hoon to resign.

On the 28th, the citizens' group stated, "Domestic violence is not simply an 'unfortunate incident within the family,' as the mayor explained, but a clear crime," and added, "Resigning from the mayoral position immediately is the only way to sincerely apologize to the victims and the residents."

Mayor Lee was booked by the police on charges of assault on July 15th in an apartment parking lot in Songpa-gu while trying to restrain his wife, Ms. A. He is also accused of assaulting Ms. A last July in a park in front of an apartment in Gangdong-gu.

The police forwarded Mayor Lee's case to the prosecution as a domestic protection case. A domestic protection case refers to incidents of domestic violence crimes where protective measures such as restraining orders, community service, or mandatory courses are deemed necessary.

Mayor Lee submitted his resignation from his party, the Democratic Party of Korea, on the 29th of last month.