Park Won-soon

Park Won-soon, born on March 26, 1956, was a prominent South Korean lawyer, politician, and activist. He served as the longest-serving mayor of Seoul from 2011 until his untimely death in July 2020. A member of the Democratic Party of Korea, Park was first elected in 2011 and successfully secured re-election in 2014 and 2018, demonstrating his significant influence and popularity in the city.

Before his tenure as mayor, Park was deeply involved in community and social justice activism. He played a crucial role as a member of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and authored numerous books on transitional justice. His work as an international human rights lawyer included serving as the chief prosecutor in The Women's International War Crimes Tribunal, where he accused the Showa Emperor of Japan regarding military sexual slavery.

As mayor, Park was recognized for his innovative approaches to urban governance, earning prestigious awards such as the Gothenburg Award for Sustainable Development and the Lee Kuan Yew World City Prize. His initiatives focused on transforming Seoul into an inclusive, socially stable, and innovative city, reflecting his commitment to grassroots solutions for social, educational, environmental, and political issues.

Tragically, in July 2020, Park's legacy was overshadowed by allegations of sexual harassment made by his former secretary. The day after these allegations surfaced, he died by suicide, leaving behind a complex and impactful legacy in South Korean politics.