Man accuses female supervisor of sexual harassment

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Man accuses female supervisor of sexual harassment

The Korean Sport and Olympic Committee is in hot water over allegations of sexual misconduct.

Last week, an employee in his 20s told the committee that his supervisor, who is in her 40s, grabbed his neck and kissed him during a post-work outing in July.

The incident allegedly occurred at a karaoke bar where he and six other workers, including his supervisor who is head of the department, were enjoying a night out.

“When we were at the karaoke, my boss tried to put her saliva in my mouth and hug me,” the man reportedly told the committee.

The employee said he did not come forward with the story earlier because he feared negative repercussions, including dismissal, but the growing Me Too movement in Korea compelled him to report the incident.

His story became widespread after reporters began covering it, but he wished to remain anonymous.

Shortly after, the Korean Sport and Olympic Committee formed an independent body to oversee and investigate reports of sexual misconduct.

“After the council carries out their investigation, the results will be delivered to the human resources department, which will determine whether to take disciplinary action against the relevant party,” a public relations official said.

This is the committee’s first investigation of a case involving a female employee making unwanted sexual advances toward a male colleague.

“The atmosphere has been uneasy and restless here since the sexual assault problem,” a source in the committee said. “Everyone is trying to hush each other up.”

In response to the incident, the committee encouraged employees to attend a sexual assault and rape prevention class on Friday, emphasizing attendance by high-ranking employees, including department heads.

Other sports organizations in the country have come under fire for sexual misconduct.

In February, female employees at the Chungnam Sports Council accused two executives of making unwanted sexual advances about 10 times last year between January and July. When the case caught public attention, the two executives resigned.

Last month, the vice president of a sports council in Sacheon, South Gyeongsang, stepped down following allegations that he harassed two female employees since May 2015.

BY KIM JI-HAN [song.hankyul@joongang.co.kr]
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