Yeo "Widespread Sexual Violence in Military Units, Government Must Present Fundamental Measures"

Major Jang, who is accused of sexually harassing a female Air Force non-commissioned officer who committed suicide, is being escorted to the Military Court of the Ministry of National Defense on the evening of the 2nd for a detention warrant hearing. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] Opposition parties have demanded fundamental government measures regarding the widespread sexual crimes in military units.

On the 3rd, Bae Jun-young, spokesperson for the People Power Party, stated, "A petition to the Blue House demanding a fact-finding investigation into the unjust death of an Air Force non-commissioned officer due to sexual violence by a senior officer surpassed 320,000 signatures in just two days," adding, "Since this administration was born claiming to be a ‘feminist president,’ the public’s anger can only be stronger."

Spokesperson Bae pointed out, "Sexual crimes within military units are not a recent issue," and said, "There have been continuous incidents such as hidden camera crimes targeting female soldiers, forcing kisses on junior non-commissioned officers, and division commanders sexually harassing subordinate female soldiers in their offices." He introduced the increasing trend in disciplinary cases related to sexual misconduct in the military, police, and fire departments, criticizing, "The government and ruling party have promoted a ‘30% female quota’ in the cabinet over the past four years, but they have only been eager to increase the number of female ministers and have fundamentally failed to resolve sexual crimes stemming from hierarchical abuse."

Spokesperson Bae emphasized, "The unjust death of this Air Force non-commissioned officer should not be ended as merely an internal military issue," and criticized, "The Moon Jae-in administration, which neglected discipline across the public service, also bears significant responsibility." He continued, "A special comprehensive investigation must be immediately conducted on public organizations with strong hierarchical command and discipline such as the military and police," and urged, "The Minister of National Defense should also present a recurrence prevention plan to the public with the resolve to resign if necessary."

Hong Kyung-hee, senior deputy spokesperson for the People’s Party, introduced the fact that sexual violence occurred in another unit besides the deceased Air Force non-commissioned officer and called for countermeasures.

Senior Deputy Spokesperson Hong said, "According to a press conference by the Military Human Rights Center yesterday, a non-commissioned officer belonging to the 19th Fighter Wing was arrested on charges of illegally filming more than 10 female soldiers, including civilians," and pointed out, "Despite the need for thorough investigation and judicial action against the perpetrator, the military, like the previous 20th Fighter Wing case, tried to appease the victims and conceal the incident."

He criticized, "What were the military leadership and command line, who wore shining stars and heavy rank insignia on their foreheads, doing while sexual violence was rampant?" and added, "If they were unaware of this incident, it is a ‘crime of incompetence’; if they knew, it is ‘silent complicity.’ They must be held accountable."

Senior Deputy Spokesperson Hong said, "The sexual violence cases revealed this time are just the tip of the iceberg," and stressed, "A thorough eradication of the remaining sexual violence, which is growing like a poisonous mushroom in our military, is necessary."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.