President Lee Jae-myung urged public officials on July 15 to exercise caution regarding sexual misconduct, stating, "It's fine to enjoy drinking, but do not seat young women next to you or engage in such behavior."
During a concluding statement at a briefing with various government agencies, including the Ministry of Economy and Finance, the National Tax Service, and the Financial Services Commission, President Lee emphasized, "I hope all public officials in South Korea hear this message."
He noted, "It seems that such incidents still occur occasionally. Generally, they do not, but young female employees should not be treated as objects of amusement."
President Lee criticized the mindset that allows such treatment, stating, "Being treated in that manner is an incredibly infuriating situation. In the past, people accepted and endured it, but now, that attitude and mindset itself is a humiliation of character."
He added, "Such treatment does not regard individuals as equal persons. The very thought of viewing them as objects or means must be eliminated."
President Lee remarked, "I mentioned this because it seems there have been recent incidents. In the past, it was not a problem, but now it is unacceptable. Nowadays, it can lead to serious consequences."
He concluded, "What may seem trivial to you is viewed very differently by the world; it is a profoundly serious issue."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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