Harassment claims emerge amid funeral
SEOUL — Mourners wept and bowed before the coffin of Seoul’s mayor during his funeral Monday, while a lawyer came forward with details about sexual harassment allegations against the late politician.
The allegations have split many in South Korea over how to remember Park Wonsoon, who was found dead Friday in a wooded area in northern Seoul. Park, a liberal who built his career as a reformminded politician and champion of women’s rights, had been considered a potential candidate for president in 2022.
Police said there was no sign of foul play but refused to disclose the exact cause of his death. Seoul officials have said Park left a note saying “I feel sorry to everyone” and asking that his body be cremated.
On Monday, lawyer Kim Jaeryon told reporters that she gave legal counsel to one of Park’s former secretaries before a complaint was lodged with police over alleged sexual harassment. Kim said the complaint was filed July 8, the day before Park’s daughter called police to report her father missing, prompting a massive police search.
According to the attorney, the exsecretary said Park sent her messages and photos that involved “sexual harassment” and that she showed those to some of her friends, colleagues and a local journalist. The woman said Park subjected her to unwanted “physical contact,” the lawyer said.
Police have previously confirmed that a complaint against Park was filed but have not given any details.
During the news conference, an activist read what she called a message by the former secretary. She was quoted as saying in the message that she found Park’s death “deeply disappointing” and hard to believe.
Earlier Monday, the Seoul city government held a funeral for Park with about 100 participants, a relatively small size given his prominence. Authorities cited coronavirus concerns for limiting participants.
A live broadcast online drew a mixture of condolence messages and insults.
Sympathy messages included ones that read “Please, rest in peace.” But there were also antiPark messages such as “Shame on you” and “Hypocrite.”
The funeral ended after Park’s family and others placed white flowers before a coffin topped with his framed funeral photo.