Ahn Hee-jung, the former governor of South Chungcheong Province in South Korea, has recently attempted to re-enter the political arena after serving a prison sentence for sexually assaulting Kim Ji-eun. His appearance at the book launch of Buyeo County Mayor Park Jung-hyeon was met with protest and strong disapproval from women’s rights activists and progressive parties. They criticize the ruling Democratic Party's support for Ahn and argue that his return undermines progress in gender equality and human rights within South Korean society.

On February 13, a group of women gathered in front of the Democratic Party’s headquarters in Yeouido, Seoul, holding copies of the book titled 'I am Kim Ji-eun'. This event was meant to draw attention to Ahn's recent public re-emergence and to voice their outrage at the possibility of him returning to a position of political influence. Ahn was introduced at the book event as a significant figure, which spurred immediate backlash from women’s groups who demanded that the Democratic Party decisively separate from Ahn’s legacy of political violence against women.

The situation escalated as voices of support for Ahn emerged from both sides of the political spectrum, arguing that critics were overreacting. They suggest that Ahn has served his sentence and should be allowed to participate in civic life. This controversy raises serious questions about the treatment of sexual violence in South Korean politics, highlighting the ongoing struggle between advocates for women’s rights and defenders of those who have committed gender-based violence in their pursuit of political power.