National Vacation Expenses? ... Compensation for Losses Should Come First
[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] Kim Ki-hyun, Acting Leader of the People Power Party and Floor Leader, on the 4th demanded an apology from President Moon Jae-in and the resignation of Defense Minister Seo Wook and Air Force Chief of Staff Lee Seong-yong in relation to the ‘Air Force Sexual Harassment Incident’.
At the People Power Party Emergency Committee meeting held at the National Assembly that day, Acting Leader Kim said, "Although June is the month of patriotic and veterans’ remembrance, today I feel not only disappointment and anger towards the military but even a sense of self-disgust," adding, "The case of the Air Force non-commissioned officer who took an extreme measure after being sexually harassed clearly reveals the reality our military faces and is nothing less than a ‘military corruption’ incident."
Regarding this incident, he stated, "For the restoration of the deceased’s honor and to prevent the occurrence of second and third victims, a thorough investigation must be conducted, and not only the perpetrators but also those who condoned and abetted must be severely punished," and "As the military commander-in-chief, I demand a public apology from the President along with the immediate dismissal of the Defense Minister and the Air Force Chief of Staff."
Acting Leader Kim criticized, "While sexual crimes rampant within the military itself are a serious problem, what is even more shocking is the follow-up process," and said, "The military, which should punish those involved through a swift and fair investigation and take measures to prevent recurrence, instead hastily tried to cover up the incident by urging settlements and coaxing victims."
He pointed out, "The initial investigation was also inadequate, with the first inquiry conducted two weeks after the incident occurred, and the perpetrator’s mobile phone, a basic element of investigation, was only hurriedly secured after the victim’s death," adding, "It is embarrassing to even call it the military when the Air Force investigative agency reportedly regarded the victim’s death as a ‘simple accidental death’; the whole system is rotten."
Regarding President Moon Jae-in’s statement that "It pains my heart to think of the victim who must have felt despair," Acting Leader Kim remarked, "This is not the time to use a dissociative rhetoric as if the President has nothing to do with it."
Meanwhile, on the issue of loss compensation for small business owners and self-employed individuals, he said, "To appease the angry public sentiment revealed in the April 7 by-elections with money, the Blue House and the ruling party suddenly pulled out a nationwide vacation expense card without considering the necessity, effectiveness verification, domestic economic conditions, or inflation," and added, "It is frustrating that urgent loss compensation for small business owners is being neglected."
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