Sexual misconduct a problem at military academies

By Chyung Eun-ju

Rep. Kim Hack-yong / Yonhap

Sexual misconduct by cadets is an ongoing problem at Korean military academies, according to a report.

Rep. Kim Hack-yong from the main opposition Liberty Korea Party said on Sunday there were four cases of sexual misconduct by cadets from Jan. to Sept. 2017, according to the report.

The report was submitted by the Korean Military Academy, Korean Naval Academy and Air Force Academy (AFA), Korea Armed Forces Nursing Academy and Korea Army Academy at Yeong-cheon (KAAY).

There were 14 cases during over five years ― two cases in 2013, two in 2014, one in 2015 and five in 2016.

Thirty-three 33 cadets were punished during the five years ― 14 people (45 percent) were expelled, 11 people (33 percent) were under probation and seven people (21 percent) were restricted from going outside or received low-level punishment).

The number of cadets expelled increased from four in 2013 to 15 in 2016. Seven cadets have been expelled this year.

Sexual misconduct has included harassment, prostitution, obscene talk and rape.

An AFA cadet was caught trying to steal a female student’s undergarments and was expelled for unnecessary physical contact.

A cadet from KAAY was expelled this year for taking pictures of a woman’s undergarments with a hidden camera.

“Sexual misconduct is spreading from barracks to elite training institutions for military officials,” said Kim. “We need the attention and support of the military authorities.”