Busan assault victim opposes lawmaker discipline, citing alienation

The victim of the "back-kicking" assault case in Busan has expressed her opposition to any disciplinary action against two ruling party lawmakers who made controversial remarks referencing her case. Kim Jin-ju (pseudonym) stated that being excluded from the decision-making process regarding the disciplinary action, even if it's meant to be punitive, makes her feel alienated.

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Being punished without even asking me also makes me feel alienated.

Rep. Jin Jong-oh, a former Olympic shooting gold medalist, had apologized to Kim after making a remark about "back-kicking" at a debate where she was present. Rep. Seo Bum-soo also made a similar comment. Both lawmakers subsequently apologized, which Kim accepted. However, 11 members of the ruling People Power Party's district chapter chairmen submitted a disciplinary request to the party's ethics committee, which is scheduled to review the case.

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I am really okay.

Kim emphasized in a handwritten letter that she was "really okay" with the lawmakers' remarks and did not want them punished. She argued that the party's move to discipline them without consulting her felt like another instance of her being sidelined. She suggested that focusing on the debate she attended would be more helpful than pursuing disciplinary action.

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If the disciplinary committee imposes punishment even though I say I'm okay, it means the victim is not the party concerned, and based on that sense of alienation, I will request disciplinary action against those who made the decision.

"If the disciplinary committee imposes punishment even though I say I'm okay, it means the victim is not the party concerned, and based on that sense of alienation, I will request disciplinary action against those who made the decision," Kim stated. She urged politicians to fight for the people and victims rather than using her experience for political gain, and offered her continued support to Rep. Jin.

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I sincerely hope that you become politicians who fight for victims and the public, without consuming my suffering like public property in a political dispute.