Ewha Womans University Alumni Association "Kim Junhyuk's Sexist Remarks, Candidate Must Withdraw"

The Ewha Womans University Alumni Association issued an official statement and called for the resignation of Kim Jun-hyeok, the Democratic Party of Korea candidate for Suwon Jeong, Gyeonggi Province, regarding his past remarks that Kim Hwal-ran, the first president of Ewha Womans University, forced students to provide sexual favors to U.S. military officers.

Kim Jun-hyeok, Democratic Party of Korea candidate for Suwon Jeong, Gyeonggi Province.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

On the 3rd, the Ewha Womans University Alumni Association stated in a press release, "Kim's remarks not only disparaged the history of Ewha but also caused extreme humiliation to both current students and alumni," adding, "At the same time, they contain sexist hatred against all women in this country."

They also pointed out, "This is clear evidence proving that he lacks the qualifications as a politician in South Korea who aims for 'gender equality.'"

The Alumni Association emphasized, "In 1886, when it was said that if a hen crows, the household would fall apart, Ewha brightly raised the torch of women's education," and "Since then, it has contributed to the development of Korean society by breaking down the walls of customs and discrimination, promoting the humanization of women and the training of female professionals, which is also a history that has promoted the common good and public interest of Korean society."

They criticized, "Despite the need for politicians who should unite the people, Kim, who fails to embrace gender and incites public division with unverified information, is polluting South Korea's political culture and regressing its politics," calling it "shameful and tragic."

Furthermore, they added, "The Ewha alumni strongly demand a sincere apology from candidate Kim Jun-hyeok and will make every effort to ensure his resignation from the candidacy."

Previously, on August 14, 2022, Kim appeared on the YouTube channel ‘Kim Yong-min TV’ and said, "Kim Hwal-ran played a very significant role in sending comfort women to repay the country during the war," and "During the U.S. military government period, she forced Ewha Womans University students to provide sexual favors to U.S. officers."

When controversy arose, Kim issued a statement saying, "I deeply apologize for hurting the pride of Ewha students, faculty, and alumni with unrefined expressions regarding Kim Hwal-ran, the first president of Ewha Womans University, and related remarks on YouTube several years ago."