Dr. Jung Heewon, Seoul City Health Director General, Tenders Resignation Amid Privacy Controversy

Privacy Controversy Involving Fellow Researcher at Asan Medical Center
City to Accept Resignation... Jung Steps Down After Four Months

Jung Heewon, Seoul City Health Director General, has expressed his intention to resign to the Seoul Metropolitan Government amid a recent privacy controversy. The city plans to accept his resignation soon.

According to the Seoul Metropolitan Government on December 22, Jung, an expert in "slow aging," submitted his resignation to the city the previous day.

Jung Heewon, Seoul City Health Director General, who recently expressed his intention to resign to the Seoul Metropolitan Government amid a privacy controversy. Photo by Yonhap News

The position of Health Director General was established for the first time by the Seoul Metropolitan Government to address demographic changes and implement health-centered governance. Jung was appointed to the post in August and has been serving since then. He is a professor of geriatrics at Asan Medical Center in Seoul and is known for popularizing the concept of "slow aging." At the time of his appointment, the city explained that Jung would be responsible for systematically incorporating health concepts into all aspects of city policy.

Jung's decision to resign appears to be due to the recent privacy controversy. He became the focus of public attention as lawsuits and countersuits unfolded over his relationship with a personally appointed research fellow, identified as A. Jung filed a complaint with the police against A for alleged violations of the Stalking Punishment Act and attempted extortion. In response, A has filed a complaint against Jung for alleged sexual assault by abuse of authority.

Jung's side claims that A threatened his family by appearing near their workplace and left letters at the entrance to their residence. They also stated that A made financial demands in the form of royalties related to Jung's book, "The Slow Aging Mindset."

On the other hand, A's side alleges that there was sexual misconduct involving an abuse of power. The controversy has further intensified as private conversations between the two have been made public. The police plan to investigate the specific facts of the case involving both parties.