Direct Criticism of Appointment of Secondary Perpetrator as Policy Advisor
"Politics That Preaches Reflection Tramples Victims' Lives Again"
Kim Ji-eun, the victim in the sexual assault case involving former South Chungcheong Province Governor An Hee-jung, criticized Oh Sehyun, Mayor of Asan, for appointing a secondary perpetrator of sexual violence as a policy advisor, stating, "Politics has once again chosen the perpetrator."
She also demanded the immediate dismissal from the position, saying, "The political community's insensitivity and repeated secondary victimization endlessly retraumatize the victim's life."
On December 26, Kim stated on her social media, "According to The Asia Business Daily, Oh Sehyun, Mayor of Asan, appointed a secondary perpetrator in the An Hee-jung sexual assault case as a policy advisor," and added, "I have confirmed through the Asan City Hall website that Mr. A was indeed appointed as an advisor."
Previously, The Asia Business Daily exclusively reported that Mayor Oh had appointed Mr. A, who was convicted of defamation and insult against the sexual violence victim, as a policy advisor, sparking controversy.
Kim pointed out, "This individual was found guilty in both criminal and civil courts for secondary victimization of a sexual assault victim. In 2018, following a citizen complaint, the case went to trial, and in 2021, the court handed down a sentence heavier than the prosecution's recommendation, stating it was not an individual issue but an organizational one. Following the court's recommendation, a public apology was also issued."
However, she criticized, "Even after that, Mr. A has repeatedly been appointed to key political positions, including as a National Assembly aide, a local government policy team leader, and in Democratic Party election campaigns. This latest appointment as policy advisor by the Mayor of Asan is not a coincidence but a structural choice by the political community."
She especially pointed out, "The fact that secondary perpetrators continue to be active alongside Democratic Party officials shows that the political community still treats power-based sexual violence as a personal deviation. The rhetoric of reflection in politics is in direct conflict with the actual personnel decisions being made."
She continued, "For the past eight years, I have fought against sexual violence and have been unable to recover my daily life. Despite winning every legal judgment, the political community's insensitivity and repeated secondary victimization drag the victim's life back into the spotlight and destroy it again."
Kim officially demanded that the Democratic Party and Oh Sehyun, Mayor of Asan, immediately cease acts of shielding sex crimes and dismiss the policy advisor who is a secondary perpetrator of sexual violence.
She added, "Sexual violence is not a personal issue but a crime created by power and patriarchal structures. I will no longer remain silent about politics built on the sacrifices of women. I will speak out to the end."
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