On March 31, 2025, Jang Je-won's former secretary, known as 'A', submitted significant evidence to investigative authorities, accusing him of sexual assault. The allegations stem from an incident that reportedly occurred on November 18, 2015, at a hotel in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, where Jang was then serving as the dean of Busan Digital University.
A's legal representative, attorney Kim Jae-ryeon from the law firm Onsesang, disclosed that the evidence submitted includes video footage and forensic results from the National Forensic Service. According to A, the alleged assault took place between midnight and 8:30 AM on that fateful day. She claims that after recognizing the assault, she felt compelled to document the situation and recorded video and photographs of the hotel room while Jang was asleep.
The video reportedly captures Jang calling A by name, attempting to make unwanted advances, and A's reluctant responses. A also visited a Hae 바라기 (sunflower) center on the same day to collect evidence, utilizing an emergency kit. A forensic analysis confirmed the presence of male DNA on A's body and underwear, which was critical in supporting her claims.
A's allegations paint a harrowing picture of the events, stating, "I recognized the sexual assault and took photos and videos of the hotel room where Jang Je-won was sleeping." She also mentioned that Jang sent her text messages after the incident, including one where he expressed distress, saying, "I'm having a really hard time today. Be sure to come to work tomorrow." A asserts that she did not respond to any of these messages or calls after escaping from the hotel.
In addition to the video evidence, A submitted a handwritten memo and consultation records from the sunflower center, detailing her experiences and the aftermath of the incident. She has stated, "I endured approximately nine years of painful time due to anxiety about Jang Je-won's power and fear of retaliation after reporting the sexual assault." This highlights the considerable emotional toll the incident has taken on her life.
A's legal team emphasized the difficulty in securing objective evidence in sexual assault cases, stating, "While objective and direct evidence is difficult to secure in sexual assault cases, the victim visited a sunflower center on the day of the incident, and the contents are included in the National Forensic Service report." This underscores the importance of the evidence collected immediately following the alleged assault.
The case has drawn significant public attention, with many calling for accountability and justice. A has expressed the need for Jang to acknowledge his wrongdoing and offer a sincere apology. She remarked, "What the perpetrator's supporters should do is not view this incident through a partisan lens but listen to the voice of the victim, who has remained silent for so long due to fear." This plea for understanding illustrates the broader societal issues surrounding sexual assault and the challenges victims face in coming forward.
Jang Je-won, a former member of the National Assembly and a prominent political figure, has denied all allegations of sexual assault. He was called in for questioning on March 28, 2025, where he maintained his innocence. His defense team has previously stated that A's claims are entirely unfounded.
As the investigation unfolds, the implications of this case extend beyond the individuals involved, touching on the systemic issues of power dynamics and the treatment of sexual assault victims in society. A's brave decision to come forward after nearly a decade of silence reflects a growing movement among survivors to seek justice and hold perpetrators accountable.
The legal proceedings will continue to be monitored closely, as they represent not only a personal battle for A but also a significant moment in the ongoing discourse surrounding sexual violence and accountability in positions of power.
A has undergone three police investigations since filing her complaint on January 17, 2025, and her determination to seek justice serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience of survivors.
In a society where victims often face immense pressure to remain silent, A's actions may inspire others to find their voice and seek the justice they deserve. The outcome of this case could have far-reaching consequences, not only for those directly involved but also for the broader movement advocating for victims of sexual violence.
