Parties clash over Jang’s assault allegations in judiciary panel

Dec 04, 2025, 08:58 am

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Rep. Jang Kyung-tae of the Democratic Party protests during a Legislation and Judiciary Committee meeting at the National Assembly in Seoul on December 3, after Rep. Shin Dong-wook of the People Power Party called for his removal over sexual assault allegations. / Source: Yonhap News

Lawmakers from the ruling and opposition parties clashed sharply on December 3 at a full session of the National Assembly’s Legislation and Judiciary Committee over sexual assault allegations involving Democratic Party Rep. Jang Kyung-tae.

The People Power Party (PPP) argued that Jang, who is under investigation, faces a conflict of interest and should not serve on the committee, while the Democratic Party countered that the allegations stem from “fabricated reporting.”

PPP Rep. Shin Dong-wook directly confronted Jang during a procedural motion. “Rep. Jang is under investigation for sexual assault and even accused the victim of making false charges. He should be ashamed. How can he claim to be qualified to sit on this committee despite this conflict of interest?” Shin said, recalling a past instance in which the Democratic Party argued that former PPP lawmaker Na Kyung-won’s committee role constituted a conflict during the 2019 fast-track clash.

Citing video footage disclosed by some media outlets, Shin added, “The public has seen the footage. How can he claim it was ‘dating violence’? Everyone saw where his hand went.” He urged Jang to “prove his innocence to the police and prosecution, then return.” Shin also addressed Rep. Chun Hyun-hee, seated next to Jang, saying, “As a former head of the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission, don’t you feel chills sitting beside him?”

Jang pushed back, aiming his criticism at Shin, a former TV Chosun news anchor. “TV Chosun broadcast fabricated and manipulated reports,” Jang said. “The mosaic-blurred first video was not of me putting an arm around anyone—she was pulling me toward her.” Invoking parliamentary immunity, he added, “I will file a false-accusation complaint. If you want to talk more, do it outside.”

Democratic Party Rep. Kim Ki-pyo also defended Jang, saying, “This case was filed more than a year later and only then picked up by the media.” He contrasted it with Na Kyung-won’s case, noting, “She had already undergone extensive investigation, gone through trial, and received a conviction.”

Committee chair Chu Mi-ae, a Democrat, eventually moved to restrict Shin’s speaking time and proceeded with the bill reviews.

#Jang Kyung-tae allegations #Legislation and Judiciary Committee #fabricated reporting