Kim Jong-cheol resigns from sexual harassment “Inappropriate physical contact after meal, no excuses” [전문]

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I bow my head and apologize to the victim. I would like to apologize to you and the people of the party.

On the evening of January 15th, I had a dinner appointment with Rep. Jang Hye-young, the victim. This was a meeting that I asked for, and at the dinner, I mainly shared opinions on the subject of my requests for the party’s future plans, the role of the legislator, and Jang’s political activities as an individual legislator.

While waiting for my car after my meal, I committed an overt harassment of sexual harassment by making inappropriate physical contact with which the victim did not want and gave no consent. It was an act without excuses, and the victim was very hurt. I sincerely apologize to the victim again.

The victim complained about my harassment, and I later apologized, but as a representative of the public party, it was impossible to pass on. Moreover, as a representative of a political party that vowed to expel sexual harassment and sexual violence, my actions were unacceptable.

Regarding my responsibilities, I have decided to discipline me in three ways and have communicated to the victim and victim representative. First, I would withdraw from the party’s office, and second, I would complete sexual harassment and sexual violence prevention education. Third, I would be subject to severe disciplinary action by the Party by suing myself to the current Justice Party Committee.

In the course of discussions with the victims afterwards, since my offense was a matter that occurred in the public party, the third responsibility was not to file a complaint with the current committee, but to formally request severe disciplinary action against me by official organizations such as the party’s delegation meeting. I have decided on a position. For this reason, I ask the Delegation of the Justice Party and the current committee to punish me severely.

My unforgivable sexual harassment has hurt my victim so much. In particular, the victim continued to show political trust in me on a regular basis, and I betrayed that trust and repaid my trust with betrayal. Sorry again. The Justice Party, the party members, and the people were also shocked. I bow my head and apologize.

No matter what responsibility I take now, it is difficult to cleanse my offense. In the future, I will reflect on my actions and try to change my coming-of-age ceremony. We repeatedly apologize to the victims and to the numerous people who have shown affection for the Justice Party. I am sincerely sorry.

Kim Jong-cheol on January 25, 2021

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