Former South Chungcheong Province Governor Ahn Hee-jung, who had been serving a prison sentence of three years and six months for repeatedly sexually assaulting his secretary, Kim Ji-eun, appeared in public for the first time in two years and three months. He attended his son’s wedding at a hotel in Seoul on November 2. This appearance marks his first since his release on parole in August 2022.
Photos of Ahn smiling and taking commemorative pictures with supporters at the wedding were posted on the Facebook page of his supporter group, “Ahn Hee-jung to the 38th Parallel!” A member of the group reported that Ahn and his former spouse, Min Ju-won, both appeared to be in good spirits.
Meanwhile, Kim Ji-eun, who had filed a lawsuit demanding 300 million won in damages, appealed a court ruling that ordered Ahn and the South Chungcheong Province to jointly pay 83.47 million won. Kim, claiming to suffer from PTSD due to Ahn’s assault and subsequent secondary victimization, sought compensation for damages and medical expenses in July 2020. The first trial ruled partially in her favor, but Kim expressed her intention to continue fighting against Ahn, the provincial office, and others implicated in secondary harm, stating she intends to take meaningful steps forward. The first hearing of the appeal is scheduled for November 27.