Seo Wook Bowed His Head, Apologized 18 Days After Female Sergeant's Death

Minister of National Defense Seo Wook and other Cabinet members are attending the Cabinet meeting held at the Government Seoul Office in Jongno-gu, Seoul on the 11th. Photo by Hyunmin Kim kimhyun81@

[Asia Economy Yang Nak-gyu, Military Specialist Reporter]Defense Minister Seo Wook issued a public apology regarding the case of the Air Force female sergeant who was sexually assaulted. It has been 18 days since the female sergeant made an extreme choice.

Minister Seo stated in his opening remarks at the National Assembly National Defense Committee plenary session on the morning of the 9th, "I deeply apologize to the bereaved family and the public for causing great concern due to the recent Air Force sexual assault victim's death," and added, "As the Minister of National Defense, I feel a heavy responsibility."

Minister Seo emphasized, "Since the Ministry of National Defense has transferred this case for investigation, regardless of rank or position, we will thoroughly investigate all aspects including attempts to coax or conceal, and secondary harm, and handle the matter strictly."

He said, "We will re-examine the current status and system for responding to sexual violence incidents within the military and prepare fundamental improvement measures," and added, "We will promptly establish a civilian-government-military joint organization involving civilian experts to comprehensively improve the entire military environment, including sexual violence prevention systems, protection of soldiers' human rights, military judicial system, and military organizational culture, taking this opportunity."

Minister Seo expressed, "I once again apologize for causing great concern to the public," and added, "Since the President, as the commander-in-chief of the military, trusts our military's will and ability for self-purification, we will do our best to fulfill the mission of rebuilding a 'new military culture' based on justice and human rights in line with the public's demands and expectations."

Sergeant Lee from the Air Force 20th Fighter Wing was sexually assaulted by Sergeant Jang from the same unit in early March and was found dead at the 20th Fighter Wing quarters on May 22, with her husband reporting the incident. The Ministry of National Defense explained that Minister Seo was first informed of the case's relation to sexual assault on the 25th of last month and instructed the Air Force to conduct a strict investigation.

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