People Power Party Vows "Strict Disciplinary Action After Thorough Investigation" into Gyeonggi Councilor's Sexual Harassment Allegations

Provincial Council Officer Reveals Incident on Internal Bulletin Board
Democratic Party: "Must Apologize to the Victim and Resign"

The People Power Party announced on May 12 that it would "conduct a thorough investigation" regarding allegations of sexual harassment by Yang Woosik, Chairman of the Gyeonggi Provincial Council's Steering Committee (People Power Party, Proportional Representation).

Kwon Seongdong, floor leader of the People Power Party, is speaking at the floor strategy meeting held at the National Assembly on May 9, 2025. Photo by Kim Hyunmin

That afternoon, the People Power Party issued a press release stating, "Kwon Seongdong, acting leader of the Emergency Response Committee, has instructed the Party Affairs Audit Committee to conduct a thorough investigation into the shocking allegations of sexual harassment by Councilor Yang."

The People Power Party added, "Strict disciplinary procedures will be carried out based on the results of the investigation."

Earlier in the day, an administrative officer of the provincial council, identified as A, posted a message titled "Sexual Harassment" on the internal bulletin board, claiming that the standing committee chairperson said, "Are you going to have sex or masturbate? Since you're not married, it probably isn't sex."

Officer A stated, "Around 6 p.m. on May 9, at the end of the workday, the standing committee chairperson suggested having dinner and asked if I had any plans. I replied that I was going to Itaewon that night to meet a friend, and when asked, 'Are you going with a man or a woman?' I answered that both men and women would be there. The chairperson then made the aforementioned remarks."

Several comments from staff were posted under the message, including, "The union should step in," and "How can someone like this be a council member? He must be made to apologize and resign."

As the controversy grew, the Democratic Party of Gyeonggi Provincial Council issued a statement demanding, "The committee chairperson must apologize to the victimized staff member and immediately resign from the council."