People Power Party Files Ethics Complaint Against Kyungtae Jang Over Sexual Harassment Allegations: "Countersuit Is Shameless"

On December 8, the People Power Party filed a complaint against Kyungtae Jang, a Democratic Party lawmaker facing sexual harassment allegations, with the National Assembly's Special Committee on Ethics.

Democratic Party lawmaker Kyungtae Jang is protesting against the remarks of Dongwook Shin of the People Power Party, who demanded his exit from the Legislation and Judiciary Committee citing a conflict of interest regarding sexual harassment allegations, during the full committee meeting held on the 3rd at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul. Photo by Yonhap News

Seo Myungok, Chair of the Central Women's Committee of the People Power Party, along with lawmakers Choi Sujin and Han Jia, submitted the "Disciplinary Motion Against Assemblyman Kyungtae Jang" to the National Assembly that afternoon. Speaking to reporters, they said, "We hope the Ethics Committee will be formed as soon as possible and that the motion regarding Assemblyman Jang will be the very first item on the agenda."

Assemblywoman Choi stated, "Above all, it is crucial for the National Assembly to maintain dignity in accordance with the National Assembly Act," and added, "We have referred the matter to the Ethics Committee because we believe Assemblyman Jang has damaged the image of lawmakers and that the ethical concerns are serious."

Assemblywoman Seo said, "It has been 14 days since the case involving Assemblyman Jang was reported, and 10 days since the ethics inspection began within the ruling party, yet there are still no results." She continued, "The public is eagerly awaiting the results of the internal inspection and the police investigation."

Regarding Assemblyman Jang's countersuit against the alleged victim for false accusation, Assemblywoman Seo described it as "truly shameless and brazen," emphasizing, "We earnestly urge Assemblyman Jang to honestly apologize to the victim, undergo a fair ethics inspection within the party, and fully cooperate with the investigation."

Previously, a female secretary at the National Assembly, referred to as Ms. A, filed a complaint against Assemblyman Jang on November 25, accusing him of forcible molestation. It was reported that Ms. A claimed she was assaulted by Assemblyman Jang at a restaurant in Yeouido in October last year.

In response, Assemblyman Jang commented on Facebook, a social networking service, regarding the related reports, stating, "The truth is of no concern, and these are clearly targeted reports intended to slander politician Kyungtae Jang." He added, "I will make sure to prove the false accusation."