Material photo” alt=”Kim Jong-cheol, former CEO of Justice Party. <한겨레> Material photo” />
Jong-cheol Kim, former president of Justice Party. Material photo
The Justice Party decided on the 28th to expel former CEO Kim Jong-cheol, who sexually harassed Rep. Jang Hye-young belonging to the same party. The Justice Party’s central party committee (disciplinary committee) announced that it had decided to expel former CEO Kim through a decision announcement after the first meeting was completed. The Justice Party explained that it was the highest disciplinary measure to deprive former President Kim of the party. Earlier, on the 25th, the Justice Party announced the sexual harassment of former Chairman Kim, and restricted former CEO Kim as the representative. In its decision for the current period, “the act in this case corresponds to sexual violence,” and “It is intentional and violates the right of sexual self-determination. There is a great need for punishment in terms of behavior.” At the same time, “in terms of the Respondent’s position as the Party’s representative, the respondents are particularly required to have strict ethics, the duty to comply with the Party Constitution and Party Regulations is very important, and the social influence of private and public words and actions is greater than that of ordinary Party members. In spite of that, it is recognized that he has remarkably neglected his duties and responsibilities as the party’s representative,” he said. “Heavy discipline is inevitable.” An official from the Justice Party said, “The decision of the party committee cannot be overturned or vowed by the leadership. This is the final decision.” According to the Party Constitution and Party Regulations, applications for rehabilitation can be made after three years have passed, and approval related to rehabilitation must go through the National Committee, a resolution body. CEO Kim said, “I accept the party’s decision heavily and humbly through a text message after the above decision. I think it is a strict discipline for me for taking a heavy responsibility as the party representative. I apologize for bowing back to the victim and the Justice Party. I hope that the victims recover their daily lives as soon as possible, and that the chaos of the Justice Party caused by me recovers a little. I’m sorry again.” Earlier, the Justice Party announced on the 25th that former CEO Kim sexually harassed Rep. Jang Hye-young on the 15th. The Justice Party delegation removed former CEO Kim Jong-cheol from the position of representative and filed a complaint for the current term. The next day, the Justice Party set up an emergency response meeting consisting of legislators and delegations to deal with the case. The emergency response meeting runs until the next representative is elected. The co-representatives were Eun-mi Kang, Representative Director Eun-mi Kang and Yoon-ki Kim, acting representative of the party. Separately, the Justice Party is repeatedly contemplating the nomination for the 4·7 re-election. At the meeting of the chairpersons of the city and provinces held the day before, it is said that the public opinion without nominations was somewhat dominant. On the morning of the 28th, Vice President Bae Bok-ju appeared on the radio and said, “This election is a’gender election’ and a’Me Too election’. In such a situation, our party is also deeply concerned about the sexual harassment of the representative. It is my position that it is not easy to nominate.” On this day, the 4·7 reservist TF, which is supervised by Rep. Jin-kyo Bae, interviewed Seoul Mayor Kwon Soo-jeong and Busan Mayor Kim Young-jin to hear their opinions. Nominations are expected to be decided by the National Committee on the 30th. By Kim Won-cheol, staff reporter [email protected]