Former Mokpo Mayor Park Hong-ryul: "Karaoke Sexual Harassment Allegation Is a Political Conspiracy"

Sexual Harassment Allegation Filed

Park Hong-ryul, a preliminary candidate re-challenging the Mokpo mayoral election. Photo by Seung-hyun Jeong

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Jeong Seunghyun] Former Mokpo Mayor Park Hongryul strongly denied the recent sexual harassment accusation, calling it "false information."

Former Mayor Park issued a press release stating, "The so-called sexual harassment accusation that recently surfaced is an absurd lie," and expressed his intention to "take strong legal action immediately."

He added, "This is a malicious election manipulation ahead of the June 1 local elections and the Democratic Party primary," emphasizing, "We urge an immediate halt to this vulgar act that betrays the expectations of citizens who desire a mature democracy."

The woman claiming to be the victim alleges that around May 2019, after dining at a restaurant in Naju with acquaintances, former Mayor Park wrapped one arm around Ms. A’s waist at a karaoke room and sexually harassed her by saying, "I missed you," "Your body looks great because you did 00," and "Let's be lovers."

It is known that the accusation report containing these details was submitted to the Mokpo Police Station on the 29th.

Meanwhile, former Mayor Park has declared his candidacy for Mokpo mayor in the upcoming June 1 local elections.