Criticism Over Party's Handling of Sexual Harassment and Bullying Cases
"Ethics and Personnel Committees Sided with Perpetrators"
Innovation Party Refutes, Claiming "All Procedures Completed"
Kang Mijeong, spokesperson for the Cho Kuk Innovation Party, announced her departure from the party on September 4, citing the party's lukewarm response to sexual misconduct issues and secondary victimization of victims.
At a press conference held at the National Assembly that day, Kang explained the reasons behind her decision, stating, "At first, I thought this was something I had to endure alone regarding the sexual misconduct controversy, and I believed that, eventually, the perpetrators would feel ashamed." She continued, "However, I heard the voices of younger victims who are just starting their careers, and I decided to stand with them." Kang added, "One of the victims of sexual harassment and bullying within the party left last month. The head of the Sejong City Party Committee, who had called for reform in relation to the incident, was expelled on the first of this month, and three other operating committee members who worked alongside him were also disciplined."
Kang criticized the Innovation Party's response to the series of incidents. She said, "The party turned a blind eye to the victims' cries. The Ethics Committee and Personnel Committee were filled with individuals close to the perpetrators, and the demand for an external investigative body was ignored for over a month. The victims faced further harm." Kang added, "Even now, nearly five months after the incident was reported, the party has yet to establish any support measures for the victims." She also raised concerns about the party's disciplinary decisions.
Announcing her departure by saying, "Today, I am leaving the Cho Kuk Innovation Party," Kang pledged, "Although I am leaving the party, I promise never to abandon the path of reforming our society. I will not remain silent in the face of injustice and will continue to amplify even the smallest voices."
Meanwhile, the Innovation Party refuted Kang's claims in a statement, asserting that all procedures related to the investigation and handling of the incidents were completed in accordance with party rules and the victims' requests. The party stated, "Regarding the sexual misconduct and bullying cases, we have fulfilled all procedures in line with the party constitution and regulations, fully accommodating the victims' demands. At the request of the victims, an external institution was solely responsible for the investigation, and the Human Rights Special Committee, composed of external experts, also conducted a review."
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