Minjoo Apologized Quickly... Repeated Sexual Harassment Scandals Deepen Disappointment

Veteran Lawmaker Park Wan-joo Expelled Over Sexual Misconduct Allegations
Park Ji-hyun and Yoon Ho-jung Urgently Apologize, Asking for More Criticism
Criticism Pours In: "How Did It Get This Bad?"

Park Ji-hyun and Yoon Ho-jung, co-chairs of the Emergency Response Committee of the Democratic Party of Korea, are making a statement and officially apologizing on the afternoon of the 12th at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, regarding lawmaker Park Wan-joo, who was expelled due to a sexual misconduct case. Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Juhee] The Democratic Party of Korea has once again been embroiled in a sexual misconduct scandal ahead of the June 1 local elections. On the 12th, the Democratic Party's Emergency Response Committee (ERC) expelled Park Wanju, a three-term senior lawmaker, on charges of sexual misconduct within the party. Following the sexual harassment remarks by lawmaker Choi Kangwook and the secondary victimization controversy involving lawmaker Kim Won's office, this marks the third recent sexual scandal to emerge.

The Democratic Party quickly apologized, but the repercussions are growing. After allegations of sexual misconduct by metropolitan governors such as Ahn Hee-jung, Oh Keo-don, and Park Won-soon surfaced one after another, the Democratic Party promised to prevent recurrence and vowed reform. However, with similar incidents emerging again, skepticism and disappointment toward the Democratic Party appear to be increasing.

Shin Hyun-young, spokesperson for the Democratic Party, stated, "To prevent secondary victimization and protect the victims, we will not disclose detailed information. We apologize for the occurrence of such sexual misconduct incidents within the party. We will respond firmly going forward." The incident reportedly occurred at the end of last year, and a report was filed with the party's Gender Violence Counseling and Reporting Center at the end of last month, leading to a party-level investigation.

Park was elected to the National Assembly in the 19th general election representing Cheonan Eul in Chungnam and was re-elected in the 20th and 21st terms, making him a three-term senior lawmaker. Given that he has held key positions such as the party's floor spokesperson, deputy floor leader, Supreme Council member, and chairman of the Policy Committee, the shock is even greater.

Park Wan-joo, member of the Democratic Party of Korea./Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

Co-chairs Yoon Ho-jung and Park Ji-hyun held an emergency press conference that day and issued a public apology. Chair Park said, "We have declared a zero-tolerance policy toward sexual violence and have done our best to prevent sexual misconduct, but another incident has occurred. We will continue investigations and disciplinary actions regardless of the local election's pros and cons. On behalf of the Democratic Party, I apologize once again. The Democratic Party will respond more thoroughly to gender violence within the party going forward."

Chair Yoon also bowed his head and said, "There is no excuse. I do not even dare to ask for forgiveness. I will listen to the public's criticism with a repentant heart. Please scold us more." He added, "We will also strongly punish secondary victimization and stand with the victims through their legal actions until the end."

The Democratic Party was criticized by public opinion for its passive response when sexual crime cases involving metropolitan governors occurred earlier. This was a cause of the Democratic Party's crushing defeat in the April 7 by-elections last year and is also cited as one of the reasons for the loss in the last presidential election. Chair Park had emphasized reflection and reform again after the controversy over lawmaker Choi Kangwook's sexual harassment remarks, saying, "We must never forget the painful fact that we handed over power after five years due to the sexual crimes of three metropolitan governors. The party must become completely different before and after the presidential election." Lawmaker Choi had sparked controversy after it was revealed that on the 28th of last month, during a video meeting with Democratic Party lawmakers and aides from the Legislation and Judiciary Committee, he made remarks suggestive of sexual acts toward a fellow lawmaker.

Citizens have expressed great disappointment over the repeated sexual scandals. On social media platforms such as Twitter and online communities, critical posts toward the Democratic Party's apologies have appeared, saying things like "What has changed from the past?" and "We can no longer trust promises to prevent recurrence."

In this regard, the 'Democratic Party Aide Council (Minbohyeop)' also issued a statement saying, "It is embarrassing and deeply disappointing to see our party come to this point." They added, "Since the controversy over lawmaker Choi Kangwook's remarks, many reports have come in. We have confirmed sexually harassing remarks that are too embarrassing to publicly disclose. Just as the party took swift action regarding the Park Wanju case today, we hope the party will also take proper and correct measures regarding other sexual misconduct cases."