Hwang Hyun-seon, the secretary-general of the Rebuilding Korea Party, voluntarily resigned, saying he would take responsibility for the sexual misconduct incident that occurred within the party. The Rebuilding Korea Party is currently experiencing internal strife over allegations that a key party official engaged in physical contact and sexual harassment with a lower-ranking official. In particular, there is also controversy surrounding secondary victimization remarks made by party insiders related to the incident.
Hwang said at a press conference on the morning of the 7th at the National Assembly, "As the secretary-general responsible for the party's operations, I did not properly assist acting chairman Kim Sun-min and former Minister Cho Kuk." He added, "I am stepping down from the position of secretary-general of the Rebuilding Korea Party."
He continued, "I cannot help but express my deep remorse regarding a series of issues within the party, including the sexual misconduct incident involving spokesperson Kang Mi-jung, and I would like to extend my apologies and condolences." He added, "The disappointment caused to party members and the public is something the secretary-general must take responsibility for, which led me to make the decision to resign."
Hwang also stated, "I have made every effort for the party's self-strengthening, but ultimately I have created confusion within the party, and I offer my apologies to the party members and the public." He clarified, "The leadership did not intentionally delay the investigation process and measures to cover up the incident. The party was lacking and clumsy."
Earlier, former spokesperson Kang Mi-jung of the Rebuilding Korea Party revealed the sexual misconduct incident within the party and declared her intention to leave the party on the 4th. Kang filed a complaint with the Jongno Police Station in Seoul on April 4 against a senior party official identified as A on suspicion of sexual harassment under coercion in the line of duty. Following this, it became known that the Rebuilding Korea Party took disciplinary action against party officials who aided the victim in connection with the sexual misconduct incident, sparking controversy.
In addition, remarks labeled as 'secondary victimization' by figures within the ruling party have added fuel to the controversy. Recently, Choi Kang-wook, who was pardoned by the Lee Jae-myung government, said, "Honestly, is it worth living or dying over this?" Meanwhile, Lee Gyu-won, the deputy secretary-general of the Rebuilding Korea Party, reportedly stated, "Sexual harassment is not a crime; it would be a violation of the duty to maintain dignity."