Mediacorp takes disciplinary action against employee for 'sexist' remarks directed at Park Juwon

Park Juwon, the producer for the finance show 'Money Mind' alleged that one of her colleagues made sexist remarks directed at her.

People take part in a protest against sexual violence against women during the San Fermin festival in Pamplona, northern Spain, July 7, 2016. REUTERS/Susana Vera
People take part in a protest against sexual violence against women during the San Fermin festival in Pamplona, northern Spain, July 7, 2016. REUTERS/Susana Vera Reuters

It has been a week since Park Juwon's allegation of sexist remarks against a cameraman at Mediacorp got viral. Now, the Singapore broadcaster has taken disciplinary action against the cameraman for making sexist remarks, directed at Park Juwon, the producer of the finance show, "Money Mind". An internal panel is also investigating allegations of inappropriate conduct.

"We have concluded that the allegations are valid and have taken the necessary disciplinary action against the staff who had made the inappropriate remarks," said a Mediacorp spokesperson in response to the queries raised by the New Paper.

Serious issue of sexual harassment

The issue of sexual harassment was brought to daylight when Park Juwon made online posts against one of her colleagues stating that the male co-worker referred to one of her body parts as the reason behind why she cannot be a presenter.

According to Park, the cameraman said that she could not be a presenter because she does not have the appropriate figure.

To substantiate her claims, she even released the screenshot of her conversation with the male colleague, in which he said, "the industry works like this".

More employees support Park Juwon

Soon after Park made her complaint public, some other producers reported similar incidents of sexual bullying against the current affairs cameraman and two other freelancers.

"Further to Juwon's complaints, other colleagues have since brought forth allegations of inappropriate conduct by the staff in question and by two freelancers who work in the same unit as him. We are investigating the allegations against the freelancers and will not hesitate to take appropriate action," said the Mediacorp Spokesperson.

In her Facebook post, Juwon revealed that she was repeatedly discouraged from going to HR with complaints of sexual harassment. She told that such experiences should not happen in the life of any other female employee.

Park Juwon added that everyone deserves to feel safe and respected at the workplace, regardless of their age, sexuality, gender, and ethnicity.

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