Yeo "Air Force Chief of Staff Resignation Delayed... Moon Jae-in Should Apologize to the Public"

He pointed out that even the Minister of National Defense cannot be free from responsibility

On the afternoon of the 4th, the main gate of Gyeryongdae in Chungnam. On this day, the Ministry of National Defense prosecution team conducted a search and seizure of the Air Force Headquarters Military Police Unit and others in connection with the sexual harassment case involving a deceased Air Force non-commissioned officer. (Photo by Yonhap News)

[Asia Economy Reporter Kum Bo-ryeong] Following the death of an Air Force non-commissioned officer due to sexual harassment, the Chief of Staff of the Air Force resigned, but the People Power Party raised their voices demanding strict punishment for all those involved. They also called on President Moon Jae-in to apologize to the public and implement measures to prevent recurrence.

On the 5th, Yoon Hee-seok, spokesperson for the People Power Party, stated in a commentary, "This is not something that can be resolved by the resignation of the Chief of Staff of the Air Force."

Air Force Chief of Staff Lee Seong-yong resigned abruptly yesterday, taking responsibility for the incident. Lee expressed his intention to resign, and President Moon accepted it within about 80 minutes.

Spokesperson Yoon pointed out, "Considering the impact of the incident, it is too late," and added, "This incident is a 'comprehensive disaster' that could arise from lax military discipline, including inadequate initial investigation, delayed reporting, coercion, and concealment suspicions."

Yoon argued that not only Chief Lee but also the Minister of National Defense bears responsibility for the incident. He emphasized, "Since the military tried to shield the perpetrator of the sexual crime and systematically conceal and downplay the incident, the Minister of National Defense cannot be free from responsibility."

Furthermore, Yoon stated, "How many sexual misconduct cases must have occurred under the closed organizational culture and coercive hierarchical order?" and insisted, "All those involved must be strictly punished to serve as an example to correct these barbaric customs."

He proposed a complete reexamination of the military system and a promise from President Moon to prevent recurrence as follow-up measures. Yoon said, "Rather than empty words like 'I am heartbroken,' President Moon, as the commander-in-chief of the armed forces, should apologize to the people, punish those involved severely, and promise to prevent recurrence."

He concluded by saying, "The People Power Party promises the public that we will strive to establish military discipline and prepare measures so that no more unjust victims occur."

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