Police Receive Complaint Calling for Investigation into Rep. Kim Seung-won over Alleged Sexual Harassment

The police have received a formal complaint calling for an investigation into Democratic Party lawmaker Kim Seung-won, who stepped down as a candidate for Minister of Justice, over allegations of sexual harassment.

The civic group Citizens' Coalition for Livelihood and Democratic Rights submitted the complaint accusing Rep. Kim of forcible indecency to the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency this afternoon.

In the complaint, the coalition stated, "A petition submitted by Rep. Kim's former aide contains claims that during a drinking gathering attended by Rep. Kim around June 2024, another attendee protested after claiming to have suffered sexual harassment," adding, "We ask that the police uncover the facts of the crime through a swift and thorough investigation."

Earlier, Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency Chief Go Beom-seok addressed the possibility of launching a proactive investigation into Rep. Kim's alleged sexual harassment during a press conference yesterday, saying, "Don't we need materials that serve as a basis for an investigation?" and adding, "If we investigate based solely on suspicions, the investigation could become arbitrary."

However, in response to a question asking whether an investigation could take place if a complaint were filed, Chief Go answered in the affirmative.

With the filing of a complaint urging an investigation into the allegations, projections are emerging that the police may review the complaint and subsequently initiate an investigation, such as attempting to secure the petition.

The allegations of sexual harassment against Rep. Kim surfaced after he held a press conference on the 19th announcing his resignation as a candidate for Minister of Justice.

Media reports emerged stating that a petition by former aides calling for the withdrawal of Rep. Kim's nomination for Minister of Justice had been delivered to the presidential office.

The petition reportedly contains allegations of Rep. Kim's past sexual harassment, attempts by aides to cover it up, additional allegations of drunk driving, and habitual verbal abuse and swearing directed at his aides.

In response, Rep. Kim's side stated, "The rumors regarding the petition are contrary to the facts or contain exaggerated errors."

Reported by Jung Da-eun | Video by Jang Yu-jin | Design by Lee Su-min | Produced by SBS Digital News
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.