Cheonan City Officials Union Claims "A City Council Member Sexually Harassed Council Secretariat Staff"

Chairperson Kim Haenggeum Faces Controversy Over Secondary Victimization

On the 15th, the Cheonan City Hall Public Officials Union held an emergency press conference and exposed a sexual harassment incident involving Councilor A from the People Power Party.

The Cheonan City Council in South Chungcheong Province has once again become embroiled in a sexual harassment case, with the council chair now facing allegations of secondary victimization.

The Cheonan City Hall Public Officials Union held an emergency press conference on the 15th, raising suspicions of sexual harassment by Councilor A, a member of the People Power Party.

According to the union, Councilor A has repeatedly engaged in sexual harassment and molestation against Ms. B, a female public official in the Economic and Industrial Committee of the council secretariat, for over a year.

The union pointed out that Councilor A persistently called the official while making physical contact, prolonged handshakes with sexually harassing remarks, and deliberately made physical contact when receiving items.

Ms. B reportedly requested a transfer from the city council out of concern that the harassment and molestation would worsen due to a more clearly defined hierarchical relationship following the reorganization of the council in the latter half of the term, but her request was not accepted.

In particular, it has been alleged that Kim Haenggeum, the council chair who should have protected the staff, instead engaged in secondary victimization against the victim during this process.

According to the union, employee B requested a transfer from Chair Kim, but Kim reportedly responded on the spot by saying, "Face Councilor A," among other remarks.

No protective measures were taken for the victim during this process. Despite the need for immediate separation, Chair Kim reportedly said, "There has already been a personnel transfer," and added, "You will have to wait for two months. Can you wait?"

Councilor A stated, "I am currently checking the facts regarding the content of the press conference," and added, "I am bewildered, as I have never received any warning or request for caution regarding these matters."

He further emphasized, "As I have always been confident in my conduct, if these allegations are proven false, I will consider legal action due to the significant defamation involved."

In response, the Cheonan City Hall Public Officials Union said, "We are deeply angered that Councilor A exploited his superior position to habitually commit sexual harassment and molestation, taking advantage of the victim's inability to refuse," and added, "We will continue to fight until the end, providing legal support and seeing the case through to ensure protection for the victim and appropriate punishment for the perpetrator."

Meanwhile, the victim's attorney filed a complaint with the police regarding the case earlier this morning.