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| Seoul city government's spokesman Hwang In-sik speaks during a press conference in the city government building, Wednesday./ Yonhap |
By Kim Se-jeong
The Seoul Metropolitan Government said Wednesday it will launch a joint investigation into the sexual harassment allegations made against the late Mayor Park Won-soon who was found dead Friday, two days after his former secretary had filed a complaint with the police.
"By creating a joint investigation committee of civilian experts and government officials, the city will ensure the probe's fairness and objectivity," spokesman Hwang In-sik said during a press conference held at City Hall.
Park was found dead on Mount Bugak, northern Seoul early Friday. Almost 600 officials were dispatched to search for him, two hours after his daughter reported him missing to the police.
Hwang didn't give details about the size of the committee; when its investigation would start and how much power it would have, but said: "We will have to start to talk about it. Given that fairness and objectivity are the city's priority, we'll discuss the issue fully with women's rights and human rights groups and make a decision accordingly."
The city government was responding to growing calls to uncover the truth about the allegations and seek justice for its employee, as the police are not expected to conduct an investigation.
Hwang also said the city will ensure the victim doesn't suffer any secondary damage.
"It will be a priority for city officials to prevent secondary damage inflicted on the victim. We will not tolerate city employees who reveal her personal information or make personal attacks."
Through her lawyer, the victim claimed Park had pushed for unwanted physical contact and made sexual advances toward her, sending her inappropriate photos and text messages for almost four years.
The victim's lawyer also said the victim had reached out to the city government for help before reporting the matter to the police, as she was ignored.
The city government previously said it had not been aware of the allegations before Park's death. But, that left the victim's lawyer asking how Park had learned about the police complaint before being officially notified by them. It is illegal for a government official to leak work-related information. The police and Cheong Wa Dae said they hadn't told Park of the complaint.
Local media outlets reported he could have been informed by his advisor on gender matters at the city government, but she said she was unaware of the allegations until after his death.
The allegations have damaged the reputation of Park who was previously a human rights lawyer and a civic activist. Park represented female victims in sexual harassment cases and as mayor, he appointed the special advisor on gender issues. He was also considered a potential candidate for the 2022 presidential election.
In his last words, he said sorry to everyone and his family.
Meanwhile, the police questioned the chief of Park's secretarial team, Wednesday.
Leaving the police office in Seongbuk District, the chief said his last conversation with Park was at 1:39 p.m. Thursday. He refused to talk about the details of the phone conversation. The police are also conducting a digital forensic examination of Park's phone.
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