[Exclusive] Mayor Oh Sehyun of Asan Faces Controversy Over Appointment of Policy Advisor Involved in Secondary Victimization in Sexual Assault Case

Appointed to Key Advisory Role Despite History of Slandering Ahn Hee-jung Case Victim
Oh Sehyun Says, "It Is Difficult Due to Circumstances"

Oh Sehyun, Mayor of Asan

Oh Sehyun, Mayor of Asan in South Chungcheong Province, has sparked controversy after appointing an individual previously involved in a secondary victimization controversy related to the sexual assault case of former South Chungcheong Governor Ahn Hee-jung as his policy advisor.

This appointment directly contradicts the official stance of the government and local authorities regarding sexual assault cases, raising questions about the overall personnel verification system in Asan City.

According to a compilation of reports by The Asia Business Daily on December 26, Mayor Oh appointed Mr. A as policy advisor on May 7, after being elected in a by-election on April 3.

The policy advisor is a senior position equivalent to grade 5, responsible for policy promotion and strategic initiatives, and serves as a key role supporting the mayor in city administration.

However, Mr. A is known to have repeatedly posted abusive language and malicious comments targeting Kim Ji-eun, the victim in the sexual assault case involving former Governor Ahn.

The sexual assault case involving former Governor Ahn was confirmed as a sexual crime by the Supreme Court. Since then, slander and attacks against the victim have been cited as representative examples of secondary victimization.

Secondary victimization in sexual assault cases is defined as another form of violence that hinders the victim's recovery and discourages reporting and fact-finding efforts.

Accordingly, the government and local authorities have strictly prohibited secondary victimization related to sexual assault cases through various guidelines and public servant training. The necessity of excluding individuals involved in perpetration or slander from public office has also been consistently raised.

Nevertheless, Mayor Oh appointed Mr. A, who was embroiled in a secondary victimization controversy, to a key advisory position responsible for shaping the city’s policy direction and messaging.

This has led to questions about whether Mayor Oh has actually applied gender sensitivity and human rights standards in public appointments.

The controversy is further amplified by the fact that the policy advisor is not a simple administrative position but a symbolic role that publicly reflects the mayor’s judgment and administrative philosophy. Critics have also pointed out that this appointment undermines gender sensitivity standards within the public sector.

In response to The Asia Business Daily’s inquiry, Mayor Oh replied via text message, “It is difficult due to circumstances,” and did not provide any further comment.