"Just Deleted My Post... A Decision I Cannot Make"
Professor Jo Dong-yeon, Department of Military Studies, Seokyeong University. [Photo by Yonhap News]
[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Juhee] Regarding the statement from Professor Jo Dong-yeon of Seokyeong University, who resigned from the position of co-chairman of the Democratic Party's election countermeasures committee due to a privacy controversy, saying that she "became pregnant unintentionally due to sexual violence by a third party," former Dongyang University professor Jin Joong-kwon wrote and then deleted a post saying this was "something that should not be said."
On the 5th, former Professor Jin shared an article related to Professor Jo's statement on his Facebook and wrote, "Even if it is true, it is something that should not be said," but deleted it in less than an hour.
In a subsequent post, former Professor Jin said, "I cancel the post I just made. I feel that this judgment is not mine to make. My thinking was short-sighted." He also left a comment saying, "I wouldn't worry more about the child's future than the mother."
Former Dongyang University professor Jin Joong-kwon posted and then deleted a comment calling the statement by Professor Jo Dong-yeon of Seokyeong University, who resigned from the position of co-chair of the Democratic Party's election committee due to a personal life controversy, "something that should not have been said." Photo by Former Professor Jin (Facebook capture)
Earlier, Yang Tae-jung, deputy head of the Democratic Party's election committee legal support team, posted Professor Jo's statement regarding the privacy controversy on Facebook. Professor Jo, who was selected as the first talent recruitment by the Democratic Party's election committee, resigned three days after the appointment due to the controversy.
According to the statement, Professor Jo became pregnant unintentionally in August 2010 due to sexual violence by a third party. At that time, as a soldier, Professor Jo could not bring herself to report the incident due to the closed military culture and social atmosphere, as well as family illness. Professor Jo's marital relationship was effectively broken, and due to religious beliefs that she could not terminate the pregnancy, she gave birth to the child.
Attorney Yang explained, "Since the sexual violence, Professor Jo has neither received compensation nor an apology from the perpetrator but has been raising her children with love to the best of her ability. She also informed her current spouse, whom she met after divorce, and his parents about this fact. They all understood and sincerely comforted her, and through their efforts, Professor Jo now has a happy family with her spouse and children."
He added, "Since the young children and family have done nothing wrong, we earnestly ask that reports and criticisms regarding them be stopped."
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