Choi Kangwook Apologizes for Remarks Amid Cho Kuk Innovation Party Sexual Misconduct Controversy
Admits Language Was Excessive, Insists Intent Was Different
Backlash Grows After Innovation Party Spokesperson Kang Mijeong Announces Departure
Choi Kangwook, former lawmaker and current head of the Democratic Party Education Training Institute, has issued an apology over the controversy surrounding his remarks, which were seen as secondary victimization in relation to the sexual misconduct case within the Cho Kuk Innovation Party. However, he clarified, "It was not my intention to belittle the victim or to disregard those raising concerns."
On September 4, Choi posted on Facebook, "I sincerely apologize for any distress or hurt my inappropriate or excessive remarks may have caused to those involved," adding, "I humbly accept the criticism that my comments could be considered secondary victimization toward the victim."
On August 31, during a political academy lecture hosted by the Innovation Party in Daejeon, Choi stirred controversy by commenting on the sexual misconduct issue, saying, "Is this really a matter of life and death?" According to some attendees, there were allegations that he even used the term "pigs and dogs" at the event, further fueling the backlash.
In response, Choi explained, "Recalling the internal conflicts I experienced while serving as the leader of the Open Democratic Party, I became more emotional than necessary," and added, "My intention was to emphasize that it is not desirable for people who are not directly involved to jump to conclusions about the facts and engage in excessive disputes, when the matter should be addressed through procedures in accordance with the party constitution, regulations, or the law."
He continued, "Although my advice was meant to prevent the party from being shaken by escalating disputes, I ultimately used excessive language," and added, "It is not true that I trivialized the pain of spokesperson Kang Mijeong or belittled those raising concerns."
Earlier that day, Kang Mijeong, spokesperson of the Innovation Party, held a press conference at the National Assembly, pointed out issues in the handling of the sexual misconduct case, and announced her departure from the party. She claimed, "Victims suffered secondary harm during the investigation process." Jeong Cheongrae, leader of the Democratic Party, immediately ordered an emergency fact-finding investigation by the party's Ethics Inspection Team into Choi's remarks. Choi stated, "I will fully cooperate with the investigation by the party leadership and the Ethics Inspection Team," and added, "I will also reflect more carefully on my words and actions going forward."
Meanwhile, Choi is an alumnus of Seoul National University School of Law along with former Innovation Party leader Cho Kuk, and they share a common background as former members of the activist literary magazine 'Pides'.
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