Dongbu Group chief steps down over alleged sexual harassment

Dongbu Group Chairman and CEO Kim Jun-ki resigned from his post on Thursday after being sued by his secretary for alleged sexual harassment two days prior.

“Deeming that my personal problem should not burden the company, I resign from the chairman and CEO posts of Dongbu Group,” Kim said in a statement, apologizing to the members, investors, shareholders and customers of the firm.

Kim is accused of sexually molesting a secretary, whose name was withheld, regularly between February and July this year, according to Suseo police station in southern Seoul.

The police have secured statements from the plaintiff and are reviewing evidence presented by her.

A Dongbu Group official has reportedly admitted there was partial physical contact between the two but claimed that it was mutually agreed. The official has also claimed that the secretary disclosed a video and demanded money but the company did not give in to the demand.

Dongbu said former Financial Supervisory Service chief and advisor to Dongbu Insurance Lee Geun-young has been named to replace Kim. (khnews@heraldcorp.com)