People Power Party Demands Han Eunjeong Resign as Changwon Budget Committee Chair Over Secondary Victimization of Sexual Harassment Victim

The People Power Party council members of Changwon City, Gyeongnam, have called for Han Eunjeong, a city council member of the Democratic Party who has been embroiled in controversy over secondary victimization of a sexual harassment victim, to resign from her position as chairperson of the city council's budget and accounts committee.

On December 8, the council members held a press conference at the Changwon City Hall press center, stating, "We urge Assemblywoman Han to step down from her role as chairperson of the budget and accounts committee."

The People Power Party council members of Changwon City, Gyeongnam, are holding a press conference urging Han Eunjeong, a city council member of the Democratic Party, to resign from her position as the chairperson of the city council's budget and accounts committee. Photo by Lee Seryung

They criticized, "Through her social networking service (SNS), Assemblywoman Han committed an outrageous act of secondary victimization against the victim involved in the sexual harassment allegations concerning National Assembly member Jang Kyungtae, by posting a manipulated fake photo along with the mocking phrase, 'I tried it too, shoulder hand.' This is a grave act that tramples on the dignity of the victim and women's rights."

They further questioned, "How can someone who fails to empathize with the pain of the victim and instead leads secondary victimization be qualified to serve as chairperson of the main budget committee of Changwon City, which includes a significant amount of funding for women and vulnerable groups?"

The council members emphasized, "Assemblywoman Han is attempting to erase her actions by claiming she apologized on SNS. However, both the People Power Party and the citizens of Changwon cannot accept Assemblywoman Han, who engaged in secondary victimization of a sexual harassment victim, as chairperson of the 2026 main budget committee, which includes 335 billion won in funding to support the operation of sexual violence counseling centers and to protect and promote the rights of women, children, and other vulnerable groups."

They added, "Secondary victimization of victims is in itself another form of violence and an anti-human rights act that our society must never tolerate. If Assemblywoman Han truly feels responsible and remorseful for her actions, we urge her to immediately resign from her position as chairperson of the budget and accounts committee."

Han Eunjeong, Member of the Changwon City Council, Gyeongnam Province, captured from social networking service (SNS).

Previously, on December 2, Assemblywoman Han posted on her social networking service (SNS) a photo of herself placing her hand on a man's shoulder, accompanied by the phrase, "I tried it too, shoulder hand." She also uploaded another photo, which was reportedly a fake image manipulated by artificial intelligence (AI).

The post drew criticism, with many accusing her of mocking the victim involved in the recent sexual harassment allegations against National Assembly member Jang Kyungtae from her own party, and engaging in secondary victimization.

Han Eunjung, Member of the Changwon City Council in Gyeongnam, captured from social media (SNS).

In response, on December 3 and again on the day of the press conference, Assemblywoman Han posted an apology on her social networking service (SNS), stating, "There is no excuse. I deeply regret the criticism that the photo I posted on December 2 constituted secondary victimization. As an elected official, I should have been more careful, and I sincerely apologize to everyone who was hurt by my careless actions."

On the same day, People Power Party council members of the budget and accounts committee staged a protest by holding placards and boycotting the second special budget committee meeting in the morning. They initially intended to boycott the afternoon session as well, but later changed their stance and attended the meeting.

The main budget proposal for next year, submitted by Changwon City, is scheduled to undergo a comprehensive review by the budget committee until December 9, with final approval expected at the third plenary session on December 11.