Yang Hyang-ja: "Sexual Violence in the Military is a Human Rights and National Defense Issue... Military Discipline Must Be Restored Even if a Special Committee is Launched"

[Asia Economy Reporter Oh Ju-yeon] Yang Hyang-ja, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, suggested that if necessary, a special committee could be launched at the National Assembly level to address the recurring sexual crimes in the military.

Yang Hyang-ja / Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

On the 4th, Representative Yang wrote on Facebook, "The laxity in military sexual discipline is a chronic problem that resurfaces whenever it is about to be forgotten," adding, "The government must handle it strictly as President Moon Jae-in said, and the National Assembly should even launch a special committee to completely eradicate the laxity in military sexual discipline."

Referring to the recent sexual violence incident in the Air Force that resulted in the death of a female non-commissioned officer, Yang said, "Putting aside the natural anger as a woman, I feel a great despair that the level of our armed forces, which should protect the Constitution and the people, is no better than this," and criticized, "The military's response after the incident has been even more appalling. They treated cover-ups and concealments as normal."

She then pointed out, "How can a military that does not treat comrades like comrades become united in wartime?" and condemned, "The issue of sexual discipline in the military is both a human rights issue and a national defense issue."

Yang emphasized, "If we think of this as just a passing shower, the very reason for the existence of our armed forces will be shaken," and stated, "I will work to restore military discipline and transform the armed forces into one where female soldiers are truly treated as comrades."

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