Resigned Lawmaker Kim Seung-won Faces Complaint Over Sexual Harassment Allegations

A civic group, the Committee for Ordinary People's Livelihood (Seomin Wi), submitted a complaint to the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency on the afternoon of the 22nd, calling for an investigation into Democratic Party of Korea Rep. Kim Seung-won, who stepped down as justice minister nominee, on charges of forcible molestation, meaning unwanted physical contact against the other person's will. The complaint is based on a petition written by one of Rep. Kim's former aides. The petition reportedly states that at a drinking gathering attended by Rep. Kim around June 2024, a fellow attendee protested, claiming to be a victim of sexual harassment.

The sexual harassment allegations surrounding Rep. Kim surfaced on the 19th, after he held a press conference to announce his resignation from the justice minister nominee post. Media outlets reported that the petition by his former aides had been delivered to the presidential office, and the petition was said to include a demand for the withdrawal of his justice minister nomination, as well as past sexual harassment allegations, claims that aides had covered up the incident, additional suspicions of drunk driving, and alleged habitual verbal abuse and insults.

Rep. Kim's side stated that "the rumors about the petition are false, exaggerated, or contain errors." With the complaint now filed, there is growing speculation that police may review its contents, secure the petition, and launch an investigation.