Politician's 'Oppa' Remark Sparks Outrage, Highlights Sexual Harassment Concerns

The Hankyoreh, a newspaper committed to progressive values and social justice, addresses a deeply troubling incident involving Jung Chung-rae, a leader of the Democratic Party. During a campaign event for National Assembly candidate Ha Jung-woo in Busan, Jung instructed a young girl to call the 48-year-old Ha "oppa," a Korean term typically meaning "older brother" but often used more broadly.

“

Where do you even start when the head of Korea’s ruling party is out on the campaign trail telling people to refer to middle-aged men as “oppa”?

This seemingly innocuous request, however, is far from harmless. It represents a disturbing pattern of behavior by Jung, who has previously pressured women to call him "oppa" in campaign videos. The article argues forcefully that such actions, particularly in professional or political settings, constitute sexual harassment. The use of "oppa" in this context is not a term of endearment but a tool for asserting power and creating an uncomfortable, potentially coercive, dynamic.

“

But that little girl isn’t the controversial one here — Jung is.

Our legal system and human rights bodies have increasingly recognized this. The article cites several cases where individuals in positions of authority have been found guilty of sexual harassment for using "oppa" to refer to themselves or demanding that subordinates or acquaintances use the term. These include instances involving a deputy mayor, a government tax service employee, a police lieutenant, and an Army officer. In each case, the courts or human rights commissions affirmed that such behavior crossed the line into sexual harassment, especially when directed at women significantly younger or in subordinate positions.

“

What’s so wrong about a man telling a woman (or girl, as it were) to call them “oppa”?

This incident is more than just an awkward campaign gaffe; it is a symptom of a persistent issue in South Korean society where power imbalances are exploited through language. The Hankyoreh believes that such behavior is unacceptable and undermines efforts to create a more equitable and respectful society. It is crucial to call out these instances and reinforce the understanding that professional interactions must be free from such gendered power plays. The term "oppa," when weaponized, erodes trust and perpetuates harmful dynamics that we, as a society, must actively dismantle.

“

Don’t I look so much younger than I am? Come on, call me oppa — even once.