Labor umbrella group apologizes for sexual assault scandal

SEOUL, Feb. 6 (Yonhap) -- A leading labor umbrella group offered a public apology
on Friday for the recent sex scandal involving one of its ranking officials, amid
growing suspicion about its cover-up attempt.
The Korean Confederation of Trade Union (KCTU), the more militant and progressive
of the nation's two largest labor federations, has come under fire as one of its
senior members, identified only by the initial of his first name K, allegedly
attempted to rape a female KCTU member last December.
The woman, who claims to have narrowly escaped a rape attempt by K at her home,
is known to be the KCTU member who offered a hideout late last year for KCTU
Chairman Lee Suk-haeng who was wanted by police for organizing illegal strikes in
protest at U.S. beef imports.
"We apologize to the victim and the entire Korean people for the latest sexual
assault that occurred in the KCTU," said the union in a statement after an
emergency meeting. "We will do our best to help her recover from the shock and
make due compensation."
The union also said that it has fired the official on the basis of an internal
investigation on the allegation.
The victim, however, said she will ask the prosecution to launch a criminal
investigation into the man, insisting that the labor group initially tried to
cover up the scandal. Her lawyer Kim Jong-woon told reporters on Thursday that
other executives of the KCTU have pressed the victim not to reveal the incident.
"The scandal will deal a blow to the labor organization. She was shocked (by the
union's response)," said the lawyer.
"Witnessing how the KCTU has dealt with the scandal, I have been convinced that
the labor group has lost its moral ground to lead the labor movement," Kim said.
The group had no response to the cover-up allegations.
Confronted with mounting public criticism, four KCTU leaders, including vice
chairman Huh Young-gu, have thus far announced their resignation.
brk@yna.co.kr
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