Gang Mi-jung, spokesperson for the Joseonjok Innovation Party, announced her departure from the party in protest over inadequate handling of internal sexual harassment and bullying issues. During a press conference at the National Assembly on the 4th, Gang criticized Cho Kuk, the head of the party’s Innovation Policy Research Institute, stating that although she had informed him of the details, she received no substantial response.
Gang spoke about the “dire reality of the party” and reported a series of sexual misconduct incidents and subsequent secondary harm. She revealed that one victim left the party last month due to harassment and that officials who called for the party’s reform faced disciplinary actions. Additionally, a secretary who had brought up the sexual misconduct issues with the Women’s Committee was assaulted by a party official, and pressure was applied to withdraw the case, which is now with the prosecution.
She accused the party of ignoring victims’ pleas and pointed out that the Ethics and Personnel Committee was filled with individuals close to the perpetrators, rejecting demands for external investigative bodies. Despite the incidents being known for five months, the party had not developed any support measures for the victims.
In response to Gang’s remarks, the Joseonjok Innovation Party stated that they had completed procedures according to party regulations, accommodating the demands of the victims. They expressed regret over what they claimed were inaccurate allegations made by Gang Mi-jung.