Seoul City Council Member Reported for Saying "Violent Response Because I Like Her but She Doesn't Accept" in 'Sindang Station Incident'

On the 16th, Lee Sang-hoon, a Democratic Party city councilor, speaks at the plenary session of the Seoul Metropolitan Council's extraordinary meeting. Photo by Seoul Metropolitan Council YouTube broadcast screen capture

[Asia Economy Reporter Moon Hyewon] Lee Sang-hoon, a Seoul city council member from the Democratic Party of Korea, who caused controversy by stating that "the perpetrator responded violently because the victim did not accept his feelings" regarding the ‘Sindang Station clerk stalking murder case,’ has been reported to the police on charges of defamation.

The Committee for the Protection of the Common People issued a press release on the 17th, stating, "With absurd and reckless remarks, he ignored the victim’s pain and inflicted deep wounds once again on the bereaved family," and added, "We have reported Councilman Lee to the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency on charges of defamation for making statements against public sentiment."

The organization pointed out, "Councilman Lee’s remarks defending the perpetrator have caused additional harm to the victim and the bereaved family," and questioned, "Can a city council member with such a mindset be trusted to ensure the safety of Seoul citizens?"

During the Seoul City Council’s temporary session the previous afternoon, while speaking on the need to protect employees handling civil complaints at Seoul city and various business offices, Councilman Lee sparked controversy with inappropriate comments related to the ‘Sindang Station murder case.’

At the time, he said, "It seems the male employee responded violently because his feelings were not reciprocated," and added, "(The perpetrator) is a 31-year-old young man. He is a Seoul citizen and must have worked hard in social life and job preparation to enter Seoul Metro."

He continued, "Whether perpetrator or victim, what would the parents’ feelings be? My son is enlisting in the military next week, and from a father’s perspective, I imagine the heartbreak would be unimaginable."

As controversy continued over these remarks, Councilman Lee issued an apology, stating, "The Sindang Station incident was an event that should never have happened," and "I deeply apologize for causing profound pain to the victim and the bereaved family with my reckless remarks."

Meanwhile, the Democratic Party of Korea’s Seoul branch also released a statement saying, "Councilman Lee’s remarks were highly inappropriate," and "We will immediately refer the matter to the Ethics Committee and begin disciplinary procedures."