Moon expresses full support for #MeToo movement

By Kim Rahn

President Moon Jae-in

President Moon Jae-in has promised full-fledged government support to root out sexual violence, expressing his approval of the ongoing #MeToo movement.

In a meeting with secretaries Monday, Moon said the current movement is the result of a festering problem, with growing public expectation for the government to improve gender equality and women’s rights.

“I gravely recognize the #MeToo movement. I express my respect for the courage of the victims who made public the assault and I support the movement actively,” he said.

He called on law enforcement authorities to investigate sex offenses thoroughly, urging active investigations especially for cases that took place after June 2013 when the related law was changed to allow them to investigate without victim's complaints.

“If a man, who is the stronger, tramples on a woman, who is weaker, by force or social status, he should face stern punishment regardless of what type of violence it is, what their relationship is, and what social status the offender holds,” he said.

The President said gender violence is a societal problem, so the movement should become an opportunity to disclose the actual circumstances and help the nation prepare fundamental countermeasures.

“It cannot be solved by the law only. It is a matter of change in culture and public recognition,” he said, calling for reform efforts in each sector of society.