Kim Geon-hee "I feel sorry for Ahn Hee-jung... Me and our man (Candidate Yoon) really side with Ahn Hee-jung"
Sim Sang-jung, Justice Party candidate, holds private meeting with Ahn Hee-jung sexual violence victim
Yoon Seok-yeol, the presidential candidate of the People Power Party, is announcing policy pledges related to people with disabilities on the morning of the 19th at the party headquarters in Yeouido, Seoul. [Image source=Yonhap News]
[Asia Economy Reporter Han Seung-gon] Yoon Seok-yeol, the presidential candidate of the People Power Party, repeatedly apologized for the secondary victimization controversy involving Kim Ji-eun that arose from the report on his wife Kim Geon-hee's '7-hour phone call recording.' Kim Geon-hee has been criticized for allegedly re-victimizing the victim by making remarks defending former Chungnam Governor Ahn Hee-jung, who is serving a prison sentence for sexual assault charges.
On the 21st, Yoon met with reporters in Daejeon and said, "It was inappropriate for the private conversation to be disclosed by a public broadcaster," but added, "I have expressed my apologies to those who were hurt. My feelings have not changed."
In the phone call transcript released by MBC's 'Straight' on the 16th, Kim said, "The Me Too movement was first triggered during the Moon Jae-in administration, and they tried to catch it. Why would you try to catch that?" She also said, "Life is so bleak. Honestly, I feel sorry for Ahn Hee-jung. My husband (candidate Yoon) and I are very much on Ahn Hee-jung's side."
Following the revelation of this transcript, criticism arose accusing her of denying power-based sexual violence and committing secondary victimization against the victim. Subsequently, Kim apologized in a written response sent to MBC, stating, "I regret the inappropriate remarks made in the process of criticizing some progressive figures who committed sexual exploitation, and I sincerely apologize to the public."
The People Power Party's campaign headquarters also stated, "It seems that Lee Myung-soo of 'Seoul Voice,' the person on the other end of the call, first brought up the topic and criticized power-based sexual crimes by ruling party figures," adding, "In the process of criticizing some ruling party and progressive figures who exploited sex using their power or position and responding to Lee's remarks, very inappropriate words were spoken. We sincerely apologize to the public."
Afterwards, Kim Ji-eun, who had exposed former Governor Ahn's sexual assault allegations, publicly demanded an apology. Through the Korea Sexual Violence Counseling Center, she appealed, "I demand a sincere apology from Kim Geon-hee. The thoughtless words you uttered became the seeds of secondary victimization, and I am still suffering from malicious comments."
Regarding this, Sim Sang-jung, the Justice Party's presidential candidate, met privately with Kim Ji-eun on the 21st at the Korea Sexual Violence Counseling Center located in Mapo-gu, Seoul, to discuss and offer consolation concerning Kim Geon-hee's remark that former Chungnam Governor Ahn was "pitiful."
Candidate Sim said, "Kim Ji-eun's actions have become a great courage and a momentum for change for women in the Republic of Korea," and added, "Although the judicial decision has already been made, in the political sphere, the issue has not yet moved to the next phase, resulting in incidents that reopen painful wounds."
In response, Kim reportedly said, "I believe the candidate has come not only to hear my voice but also the voices of countless sexual violence victims," according to the Justice Party spokesperson's office.
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