South Korean governor quits after rape accusation
SEOUL: A former South Korean presidential contender stepped down as governor yesterday and announced his retirement from politics after a secretary accused him of multiple rapes.
The stunning fall of Ahn Hee-jung – who came second to Moon Jae-in in the contest to select the Democratic Party’s presidential candidate last year – makes him the most prominent figure to face abuse allegations in a swirling #MeToo movement in what is still a male-dominated society.
One of his secretaries told a television interviewer on Monday Ahn had raped her four times since hiring her in June.
Kim Ji-eun told JTBC that the last straw came when Ahn called her into his office on the night of Feb 25 and apologised for having hurt her, talking about the country’s #MeToo movement.
“And then he raped me again,” she said, holding back tears. She also accused Ahn of sexually assaulting others.
Following the interview, the Democratic Party held an emergency meeting and expelled Ahn with immediate effect.
Hours later, he announced his resignation as governor of South Chungcheong province and retirement from public life.
“I apologise to everyone, especially to Miss Kim Ji-eun,” he said on Facebook.
“I ask for forgiveness for my stupid action ... it was all my fault,” he said.
It is an astonishing turnaround for Ahn, 52, who enjoyed huge popularity among young, liberal voters thanks to his wholesome image and good looks, which helped him earn the nickname “South Chungcheong’s EXO” – after a K-pop band.
Ahn threw his support behind the #MeToo campaign in a public speech made just hours before Kim appeared on TV to talk about the sex abuse she suffered.
“That he raped me again after mentioning #MeToo and apologising to me made me think ‘I may never be able to escape from this. How can I escape from him?’” Kim said. – AFP