Dongducheon City Council Chairwoman Leads Demolition Protests for Former Clinic Site, Sparking Controversy

Dongducheon City Council Chairwoman Im Hyun-sook has ignited controversy by leading protests and a hunger strike advocating for the demolition of a former venereal disease clinic. The clinic, established in 1973, is a site where state-sanctioned violence was inflicted upon women in the "comfort women" system during the Korean War era. Im's involvement, despite her role in mediating conflict, has drawn sharp criticism.

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Dongducheon City Council Chairwoman Im Hyun-sook is leading protests and a hunger strike to demand the demolition of a former venereal disease clinic.

Im stated her participation was as a "woman born in Dongducheon," but critics argue that a representative of the council should prioritize conflict resolution rather than actively engaging in divisive actions. The protests, organized by a group calling themselves the 'Dongducheon Women's Association,' have demanded the immediate demolition of the clinic and labeled preservationist groups as "outside forces."

For over 700 days, civic groups have maintained a tent protest advocating for the site's preservation, viewing it as a crucial historical site of state violence. A dialogue committee, including government, provincial, and city officials, alongside the joint committee for halting the clinic's demolition, is currently deliberating on the site's future. However, Im's actions have complicated these discussions.

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Im stated her participation was as a 'woman born in Dongducheon,' but critics argue that a representative of the council should prioritize conflict resolution.

Further complicating the situation, a statement shared by the "Women's Association" claimed that over 80 women from a victim support group, Saeumteo, wanted the clinic demolished. Saeumteo has denied issuing such a statement. This has led to accusations that Im's group is mobilizing women's organizations and using unconfirmed testimonies of victims to justify demolition.

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For over 700 days, civic groups have maintained a tent protest advocating for the site's preservation, viewing it as a crucial historical site of state violence.

Adding to the controversy, Im was reportedly quoted as calling brothels a "necessary evil" at a police meeting last month. This statement has been criticized by the joint committee as hypocritical, given her current stance on using the clinic's history as a pretext for demolition while seemingly condoning present-day sex work. Im denies directly drafting the statement, claiming it was based on media reports and that she only asked for support from the women's council president.

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Saeumteo has denied issuing such a statement.