Ewha reports DP lawmaker for defamation over claims of sexual favors

The foundation vowed to take legal action against Kim Jun-hyeok in April when a video in which he claimed Kim Hwal-lan, the first president of the university, forced students to provide sexual favors to U.S. military officers resurfaced.

Lawmaker Kim Jun-hyeok greets passerby after winning the general election for Gyeonggi’s Suwon-D constituency in April. [YONHAP]

The foundation behind Ewha Womans University reported Democratic Party (DP) lawmaker Kim Jun-hyeok to the police for defamation over sexually insulting remarks about students and alumni.

Ewha Haktang, the foundation that operates Ewha Womans University, announced Tuesday it filed a report against the lawmaker to the Gyeonggi Nambu Provincial Police.

The foundation vowed to take legal action against Kim Jun-hyeok in April when a video in which he claimed Kim Hwal-lan, the first president of the university, forced students to provide sexual favors to U.S. military officers between 1945 and 1948 resurfaced during the general election. The lawmaker also claimed Kim Hwal-lan played a big role in sending "comfort women" to Japan.

Bereaved family members of Kim Hwal-lan also filed a report against the lawmaker for defamation of the deceased on Tuesday.

"Lawmaker Kim Jun-hyeok damaged the reputation of President Kim Hwal-lan and members of Ewha Womans University through false remarks, not only insulting Ewha Haktang but all women through his sexist and distorted beliefs," Ewha Haktang said in a statement.

"We have thoroughly reviewed historical documents regarding lawmaker Kim's statements, preparing for legal actions with bereaved families of former President Kim and our alumni."

BY LEE TAE-HEE [lee.taehee2@joongang.co.kr]