Kim Seungwon Reported to Police Over Sexual Harassment Allegations... Investigation Under Review

Civic Group Demands Investigation into Alleged Incident at 2024 Drinking Gathering

Kim Seungwon, a member of the Democratic Party who withdrew his nomination as Minister of Justice, has been reported to the police over past allegations of sexual harassment.

Seungwon Kim, member of the Democratic Party, is leaving the National Assembly communication hall after concluding his press conference to withdraw his candidacy for Minister of Justice on the 19th. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

On September 22, the Citizens' Coalition for Public Livelihood filed a complaint against Assemblyman Kim with the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, accusing him of indecent assault. The organization cited a petition submitted by Kim's former aide, which alleged that, during a drinking gathering Kim attended in June 2024, a participant claimed to have been a victim of sexual harassment. The coalition demanded that the police secure relevant materials, clarify the facts, and conduct an investigation to determine whether a crime had been committed.

The sexual harassment allegations surfaced right after Kim resigned from his nomination as Minister of Justice on the 19th. Media reports indicated that the petition from his former aides, calling for the withdrawal of his nomination, was delivered to the presidential office. Reportedly, the petition contained both the sexual harassment allegations and claims that there had been attempts to cover them up. On the same day, Kim's side issued a statement saying, "The rumors in the petition are different from the facts or have been exaggerated or contain errors."

The police stated that they could not initiate an investigation solely based on the allegations. Commissioner Ko Beomseok of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency told reporters the previous day, "If we investigate only based on suspicions, the investigation could become arbitrary. There should be at least some evidence that could serve as the basis for an investigation before it can proceed."

However, as he answered "yes" when asked whether an official investigation could be launched if a formal complaint is submitted, the police are expected to soon begin gathering the petition and start a formal inquiry into the case.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.