Criminal profiler quits Yoon camp over #MeToo apology

Lee Soo-jeong, the former co-chair of the major opposition People Power Party election committee, attends a committee meeting at the National Assembly in Seoul, Dec. 13, 2021. Korea Times photo by Bae Woo-han

By Lee Hae-rin

Lee Soo-jeong, a criminal profiler and professor of Kyonggi University, stepped down from her advisory role in the Yoon Suk-yeol election camp, a day after she offered an apology to a sexual assault victim for Yoon's wife's controversial remarks about the #MeToo movement.

"Somebody had to apologize to Kim Ji-eun (the victim of sexual assault by former Chungcheong Province Governor An Hee-jung). I was more desperate to follow my conscience than stay in the adviser position and I have no regrets for what I've done," Lee told local news outlets, Tuesday, after stepping down.

The evening before, she posted on social media: "I express my sincere regret to Kim Ji-eun, the victim of former Governor An Hee-jung."

Lee's post irritated Yoon's supporters, who said she is not in a position to apologize on behalf of the candidate or his wife.

Previously in an audio recording of Kim Keon-hee's private phone call, revealed on Sunday by local broadcaster MBC, Kim said "#MeToo scandals occur because victims are not paid," and that Kim and Yoon felt bad for the convicted former governor. Her comments helped spur a wave criticisms of secondary victimization of #MeToo victims.

Kim Ji-eun issued a statement via Korea Sexual Violence Relief Center that day, demanding the candidate's wife apologize.

Despite her resignation, Lee said she still supports Yoon and will continue to provide policy advice to the candidate if needed.

Lee was appointed co-chair of the PPP election committee last November, which was interpreted as a bid to woo female and centrist voters. As the committee was dissolved earlier this month, Lee was dismissed from the position and had been on the advisory board since.

Widely seen as a feminist, her appointment was opposed by PPP party leader Lee Jun-seok, who rose to prominence by advocating for anti-feminist male voters in their 20s. "It is questionable that Lee Soo-jeong's presence in the camp is in line with the party's policy direction," he said at the time. "It may confuse our supporters."

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