Exclusive: Dongyoun Cho, who resigned from politics after a storm over painful details from her private life, speaks out about sexism, suicide and social change
A senior political aide who was forced to resign during the 2021 South Korean presidential election after revelations about her private life has said that online tormentors drove her to attempt suicide.
Speaking out in the hope that her story will help South Korean society address its damaging obsession with the private lives of public figures, Dongyoun Cho said the scandal had made her consider moving overseas, but added that she was determined to use her experience to help other women.
Information and support for anyone affected by rape or sexual abuse issues is available from the following organisations. In the UK, Rape Crisis offers support on 0808 802 9999 in England and Wales, 0808 801 0302 in Scotland, or 0800 0246 991 in Northern Ireland. In the US, Rainn offers support on 800-656-4673. In Australia, support is available at 1800Respect (1800 737 732). Other international helplines can be found at ibiblio.org/rcip/internl.html
In the UK and Ireland, Samaritans can be contacted on freephone 116 123, or email [email protected] or [email protected]. In the US, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is at 800-273-8255 or chat for support. You can also text HOME to 741741 to connect with a crisis text line counselor. In Australia, the crisis support service Lifeline is 13 11 14. Other international helplines can be found at befrienders.org
