Controversy Over "Sexually Harassing Joke" at Seo-gu Council
Women's Groups Condemn as "Secondary Harm"
Fellow Council Member Calls It "Inappropriate Remark"
Women's organizations in the Gwangju region have strongly condemned the use of "sexually harassing jokes" during a plenary session of the Seo-gu Council. In response, a fellow council member expressed regret, stating, "It was an inappropriate remark" and "could constitute secondary harm."
Nine women's organizations, including the Gwangju Jeonnam Women's Association, issued a joint statement on the 25th, saying, "Council member Kim Oksu's remarks, which belittled the legitimate disciplinary action for sexual harassment as a joke, demonstrate a significant lack of gender sensitivity."
Previously, during a five-minute speech at the 329th temporary session's first plenary meeting on the 20th, Council member Kim sparked controversy by stating, "A council member who used strong profanity was not referred to the Ethics Special Committee, but Oh Gwangrok, who made a sexually harassing joke, was referred to the committee."
The organizations pointed out, "Sexual harassment in the workplace stems from a discriminatory organizational culture, and dismissing it as a joke constitutes secondary harm by downplaying the seriousness of the issue." They demanded an official apology from Council member Kim, completion of gender sensitivity training, and called for a response at the Seo-gu Council level.
Regarding this, a fellow Seo-gu Council member told Asia Economy, "It is true that Council member Kim made the remark during the plenary session, and it is recorded in the minutes." The member added, "I believe the remark was inappropriate in an official meeting and could constitute secondary harm."
Meanwhile, Council member Oh Gwangrok, who was disciplined for making sexually harassing remarks, received a six-month suspension of party membership from the Democratic Party's Gwangju City branch last November after mentioning a female civil servant's appearance and cosmetic surgery at an event. He was subsequently referred to the Seo-gu Council's Ethics Special Committee.
Regarding Council member Ko Kyunga, whom Kim mentioned for comparison, a council official explained, "Council member Oh was referred to the Ethics Committee with the consent of more than one-fifth of the members. Council member Ko is currently under investigation, and since she requested that discussions take place after the investigation, she has not been referred to the Ethics Committee."
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