Division commander arrested for sexual harassment

Defense Minister Han Min-koo, right in front row, speaks at a meeting with key commanders at the ministry’s building in Seoul, Friday. Han called the emergency meeting to discuss issues related to a division commander’s alleged sexual harassment of women under his authority. / Yonhap

By Jun Ji-hye

A major-general in the Army’s 17th Division was arrested on charges of sexually harassing a female soldier, Friday, right after a military court issued an arrest warrant sought by investigators earlier the day.

“The warrant was requested at 9:15 a.m. on indecent assault charges,” said an Army officer.

The major-general, identified only by his surname Song, was detained late Thursday night after the victim reported the assaults to a counselor of the unit.

“He is suspected of having sexually assaulted the female staff sergeant at his office at least five times from August to September,” said the officer.

Song’s actions included kissing the victim on the cheek and forcibly hugging her.

Controversy is further escalating after it was learned that the female soldier had been sexually assaulted previously by another superior officer, who is currently serving a six-month prison sentence.

The officer said Song called the victim into his office using the excuse that he wanted to see if she was recovering from the previous incident.

The case is drawing attention as it comes at a time when the military has come under public scrutiny over a series of tragic incidents in barracks, including a soldier being beaten to death by his colleagues.

Public distrust of the military has also been deepening following indiscipline exhibited by some officers. In early September, Shin Hyeon-don, the former commander of the 1st ROK Army, was dismissed for hosting a drinking party in June in violation of a heightened readiness order.

Mindful of growing concerns over the military, the officer stressed that the Army will stringently deal with the latest incident.

“The prompt action to arrest Song shows the military’s principle that holds anybody, regardless of rank, responsible if they are involved in sex offenses,” said the official.

He added that Song will be excluded from a promotion review.

“The Army will also increase the number of counselors to deal with the difficulties faced by female soldiers,” he said.

Defense Minister Han Min-koo urged the military to reflect on its wrongdoings thoroughly at an emergency meeting with key commanders, which he presided over Friday following the latest incident.

At the meeting, Han said acts of indiscipline benefited the enemy.

Follow Jun Ji-hye on Twitter @TheKopJihye