Police obtain text messages in sexual assault probe of ex-lawmaker Chang Je-won: report

Former People Power Party lawmaker Chang Je-won / Yonhap

Police investigating former People Power Party lawmaker Chang Je-won for sexual assault allegations have obtained text messages he sent to the accuser, according to a news report.

JTBC reported Wednesday that the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, which has been investigating Chang since January for allegations of quasi-rape resulting in injury, is analyzing messages he sent on Nov. 18, 2015. The texts were sent to his former aide from a hotel room in Gangnam District, Seoul. At the time, Chang was serving as vice president of a university in Busan, which his father founded.

According to the report, at approximately 8:40 a.m. on the day of the incident, Chang repeatedly texted the aide, saying, "Let's talk on the phone.

So if you leave like that, my heart..." He also sent messages urging the aide to respond, including "Reply if you get this message," "Please pick up the phone" and "At least tell me where you are."

Police are reportedly focusing on the timing of the messages, which were sent immediately after the aide claimed to have left the hotel.

Investigators are also reviewing other messages and records from that time.

Choi Won-hyuk, an attorney from the law firm Daeryuk who represents Chang, dismissed the report, saying, "Texts cannot serve as evidence of sexual violence."

Choi added, "Chang feels both anger and bewilderment at the selective use of his messages as evidence of alleged sexual violence. The context of these messages has been completely ignored."

He further emphasized, "None of these messages can prove the sexual violence allegations. We plan to present evidence to the investigative authorities proving that these claims are false."

Choi also expressed strong discontent with the media, saying, "We strongly regret that a media outlet has continuously reported false news based on the accuser's unilateral claims. We will take strong legal action."

Chang previously denied the allegations in a Facebook post on Tuesday, stating, "The informant's claims are entirely untrue. Given the serious political climate, I question JTBC's motives and intentions behind pushing such a sensational report on 'sexual violence allegations.'"

The following day, he announced his departure from the party, saying, "At such a critical time, I cannot burden the party with this scandal. I will leave temporarily and return after clearing my name."