DP Rep. Jang Kyung-tae accused of sexual harassment

A woman who claims she was sexually harassed by Rep. Jang Kyung-tae of the Democratic Party has filed a complaint with the police.

Democratic Party Rep. Jang Kyung-tae speaks during a supreme council meeting at the National Assembly in Yeouido, western Seoul, on Nov. 14. [NEWS1]

A woman who claims she was sexually harassed by Rep. Jang Kyung-tae of the Democratic Party has filed a complaint with the police.

The police received the complaint accusing Jang of a quasi-indecent act by compulsion on Tuesday, according to the Yeongdeungpo Police Precinct on Thursday. The case was transferred to the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency on Wednesday.

Under Korea’s Criminal Act, a quasi-indecent act refers to an indecent act committed on someone unconscious or otherwise incapable of consenting or resisting.

The woman alleges that Jang assaulted her during a gathering at an undisclosed location in Seoul in late 2024.

In a statement posted on Facebook on Thursday afternoon, Jang said that he would “respond strongly, including through legal action, against this completely false and malicious accusation.”

Police plan to launch a full investigation, starting with questioning the plaintiff and other individuals involved.

BY KIM MIN-YOUNG [kim.minyoung5@joongang.co.kr]