Male councilor accused of sexual harassment for touching female statue's chest and sharing photos in chatroom

Taking 인증 Photos During Legislative Activities
Sharing Them in Group Chat Rooms

A Yangsan City council member suspected of repeatedly sexually harassing a female employee was found to have taken a photo touching the body parts of a female character sculpture during council activities and even shared it in the council group chat.

[Photo by JTBC, screenshot from 'Sageon Banjang']

On the 19th, JTBC's 'Case Manager' reported that Councilor Kim (Independent) shared a photo in the city council group chat showing him smiling broadly while placing his hand on the chest area of Nami, a female character from the Japanese anime 'One Piece,' at a museum in Gyeongju on July 10 last year. This was revealed through a tip from Ms. A, the female employee who raised allegations of sexual harassment against Councilor Kim. The scandal was amplified as Kim was engaged in council activities at the time.

Attorney Park Ji-hoon, who received the tip, pointed out, "Legally, this is highly likely to constitute sexual harassment," adding, "Because he shared the sexually suggestive behavior in a group chat to show others."

According to the Yangsan Police Station and others, a report was filed with the police on the 12th alleging that Councilor Kim sexually harassed female council employee Ms. A for over a year starting from July 2022. The messenger chat screenshots disclosed by Ms. A included messages where the woman asked Kim to "please refrain from excessive physical contact like kissing" and said, "Hitting my butt was a bit too much." In response, Kim reportedly called Ms. A "pretty girl" and replied with statements such as "It was a gesture of thanks for your help" and "I sincerely apologize for playing rough."

Ms. A, the victim, is known to have worked at the city council until recently before transferring to another workplace. On the 16th, Councilor Kim stated, "I do not admit to this. I am organizing the detailed situation. I will cooperate fully with the police investigation and make a statement," firmly denying the allegations.