NIS "Strict Response to Sexual Harassment Case... Best Efforts to Prevent Recurrence"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Minji Lee] The National Intelligence Service (NIS) announced on the 14th that it will "respond strictly and make efforts to prevent recurrence" regarding the recent sexual harassment incidents within the agency.

Regarding the report titled "NIS Director-level Female Employee Sexual Harassment, Disciplinary Action Initiated Late," the NIS expressed its position, saying, "We deeply apologize to the public for such incidents occurring within the nation's top intelligence agency."

According to the NIS, the victim reported the sexual harassment committed by Director-level employee A at the end of June and early July last year, and by Grade 5 employee B in September, to the agency on March 18. The next day, on the 19th, the incident was reported to the director, and an immediate investigation was conducted.

Subsequently, the NIS took job suspension measures against employee B on April 1 and employee A on April 16. The investigation continued, and after completing it on May 11 and considering the legally prescribed notification period for the parties involved, the disciplinary committee meeting was scheduled for May 21. At that time, employee A was on official leave and was suspended from duty after returning and undergoing the first investigation. The NIS stated, "We recognize the seriousness of this matter and will respond strictly according to the disciplinary committee's decision and in accordance with law and principles."

However, the NIS explained, "The victim did not testify during the internal investigation that executives tried to coax or persuade her, and we have confirmed that her position remains consistent to this day." This was to clarify the reports that the NIS neglected the issue for 10 months before taking late suspension and investigation measures, and that executives attempted to coax and persuade the victim.

Additionally, the NIS stated, "We will respond strictly according to the disciplinary committee's results and in accordance with law and principles," but explained, "We did not mention criminal prosecution in advance to avoid prejudgment."

Regarding another report about the 2017 sexual harassment incident involving a Grade 3 NIS executive, where the executive was reassigned to a local post and later returned while the female victim was transferred to another department, the NIS said, "At that time, we prioritized the wishes of the victim and mostly allowed her to remain in her original department, and the relevant employee was transferred."

Concerning the report about an extramarital affair by a Grade 1 NIS executive last year, which allegedly resulted in resignation acceptance without disciplinary action, the NIS clarified, "The Grade 1 executive was subjected to severe disciplinary action before resignation, so the report is inaccurate."

The NIS emphasized, "We will do our best to ensure that such incidents never recur, taking this case as an opportunity."