South Korean survivor fights for workplace harassment 'justice'

South Korean advocate Baek Song-yi, 40, is fighting for workplace harassment victims' right to know how their cases were resolved. After being verbally harassed by her older boss at a US company with offices overseas, Baek reported him, but the company demanded she sign a confidentiality agreement, threatening job loss if she disclosed details.

Refusing, the investigation proceeded, and while Baek's complaint was upheld, the company declined to disclose disciplinary actions, citing privacy laws. This lack of transparency leaves victims without closure and a sense of justice. Baek is campaigning for legislation like California's Silenced No More Act, which limits non-disclosure agreements in such cases, and for victims' legal right to be informed of disciplinary measures.

Despite South Korea's anti-bullying law enacted seven years ago, critics argue it lacks adequate protections. A study by Gapjil 119 found that only 15.3% of victims reported harassment, with many fearing career repercussions. Experts say employers can choose whether to disclose disciplinary actions, leading to victims remaining in the dark while perpetrators' reputations are shielded.