Breaking the Silence: Ex‑Governor Jumps In From a 3‑½‑Year Jail
What Happened?
South Korea’s former provincial governor, An Hee‑jung, once a hopeful presidential contender, found himself shackled to prison for three and a half years after a high‑profile court finally overturned a prior acquittal. The reason? Repeated sexual assault – a story that was wildly publicized in the country’s #MeToo saga.
The Rise and Fall
- An was a rising star for the ruling party, but he left the party in March 2018 the same week an aide accused him of continuous molestation.
- Initially, a lower court cleared him of the charges.
- However, the Seoul High Court later “injected” the verdict with a stark reminder: his power over the victim was enough to mar her free will.
What the Court Said
The High Court described An’s conduct as “adultery” in a superior‑subordinate context, noting that the relationship itself was a lever for exploitation. In other words, he turned an office dynamic into a stage for abuse.
An’s Denial
Despite the findings, An insisted he was innocent. “I denied wrongdoing,” he told the press, which added fuel to an already heated public debate.
Kim Ji‑Eun’s Statement
The aide, Kim Ji‑Eun, who frayed her courage onto national television and sparked this legal storm, released a heartfelt statement: “I thank the bench that adjudicated exactly according to the truth.” Her courage helped shape a case that went beyond a single individual into a nationwide reckoning.
Beyond An: The #MeToo Wave in South Korea
South Korea’s #MeToo movement has for years amplified stories that once lurked behind the velvet curtain:
- Shim Suk‑hee, a 21‑year‑old two‑time Olympic speed skating champion, accused her ex‑coach Cho Jae‑beom of assault in December. Cho has denied the claims and is currently under police inquiry, separately from a jail sentence for striking Shim.
- Other high‑profile politicians, entertainers, religious leaders, and sports stars have found themselves indicted or embroiled in alleged harassment scandals.
The ex‑governor’s sentence stands as a grim reminder that having a title does not grant immunity from the law – nor moral judgment. As South Korea continues to shine a light on sexual misconduct, the belief that power can shield one from accountability is firmly being rewritten.