Korean Women's Associations United: "Thorough Investigation and Strict Punishment Needed for 'Air Force Female Sergeant Suicide Case'"

On the afternoon of the 2nd, a portrait photo was placed in front of the body of the late Sergeant Lee Mo, who was laid in the mortuary of the funeral hall at the Armed Forces Capital Hospital in Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwan-joo] Women's organizations have called for a thorough investigation and strict punishment by the military authorities regarding the 'Air Force Female Sergeant Sexual Harassment Suicide Case.'

The Korean Women's Associations United issued a statement on the 2nd, saying, "We strongly urge the government to thoroughly investigate this case and ensure that strict punishment is carried out."

The association criticized, "Our precious children and soldiers who protect the nation were sexually victimized by colleagues entrusted during emergencies and have left this world," adding, "There were many opportunities to correct this, but the military chose to silence the victim."

The association pointed out, "Despite the continuous occurrence of sexual assault cases within the military from the past until now, related incidents have not ceased, which is a heartbreaking reality," and stated, "This case clearly demonstrates the widespread issue of 'sexual harassment by power within organizations' in our society."

They further emphasized, "Sexual harassment is a significant event that shakes the entire life of the individual who suffered it once again," and "We strongly condemn this sexual harassment case that destroyed one person's life in an instant."