A senior-level researcher at Korea's Constitutional Court who was disciplined over stalking allegations has resigned, while another senior researcher facing belatedly surfaced sexual misconduct allegations has retained his position with only partial removal from duties.
According to legal sources on Monday, the Constitutional Court recently accepted the resignation of Researcher A, who had received a reprimand over stalking allegations. Researcher A, who held a senior-level position, was accused of repeatedly attempting to contact a female fellow researcher and demanding meetings. The court convened a disciplinary committee and resolved to issue a reprimand for violating the duty to maintain dignity, stripping Researcher A of his senior post. Researcher A submitted his resignation following the disciplinary action, sources said.
Sexual harassment allegations surrounding senior Researcher B have also surfaced within and around the Constitutional Court. Researcher B is accused of making inappropriate physical contact with female researchers while intoxicated at an internal workshop about three years ago. The court said it had received related grievance consultations at the time but closed the matter without a separate investigation, taking into account the wishes of the victims.
The issue lies in the subsequent response. The court did not take personnel measures such as separate disciplinary action or removal from his post against Researcher B at the time. However, as internal complaints recently continued, the court is reported to have issued guidance to researchers to the effect of "refraining from reporting to Researcher B for the time being." The measure temporarily removes him from some duties while allowing him to retain his position. Meanwhile, both researchers are currently under police investigation following a complaint filed by a civic group.
