President Lee Sung-yong Resigns... "Deeply Responsible for 'Sexual Harassment Death'" [Comprehensive]

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Military Specialist Reporter Yang Nak-gyu]Air Force Chief of Staff Lee Seong-yong has tendered his resignation in connection with the death of a non-commissioned officer who was a victim of sexual harassment. Lee, who took office as the 38th Air Force Chief of Staff on September 23 last year, will thus leave office in disgrace as the 'shortest-serving chief of staff in history' after just over eight months.

In a statement released via text message on the 4th, Lee said, "I deeply feel heavy responsibility for the series of circumstances and hereby tender my resignation effective June 4, 2021."

He continued, "I apologize to the people for causing concern," and "Above all, I express my deepest condolences to the deceased and offer sincere condolences to the bereaved family." He also said, "I hope the pain and wounds will heal quickly, and I ask for your continued interest and support for the Air Force."

It was reported that Lee submitted his resignation intention and discharge application to the Blue House through Defense Minister Seo Wook on the same day.

If the discharge application is accepted by President Moon Jae-in, Lee will become a civilian.

This is interpreted as taking responsibility for the Air Force's initial investigation failures and delayed reporting suspicions that have surfaced in connection with this incident. However, some argue that the timing of the Air Force Chief of Staff's resignation, just as the joint military investigation has begun, could be seen as irresponsible.

In fact, in the Air Force's case, various signs of inadequate investigation and report omissions throughout the entire process from the time the deceased sexual harassment victim, Sergeant Lee, reported the incident until after her death have already been gradually revealed.

Lee first received a report on the sexual harassment incident on April 14. The incident occurred on March 2, and the victim took her own life on May 21. The Air Force Military Police compiled the case over a week and reported it to Lee in writing. Later, Lee received a second report from the Air Force Military Police on May 22, the day after the victim's death. Subsequently, on the 25th, Lee made the first report of this fact to Defense Minister Seo Wook, who instructed Lee to conduct a strict investigation into secondary victimization and other matters.

Accordingly, there have been predictions that disciplinary action against Chief of Staff Lee Seong-yong and the command leadership will be inevitable depending on the investigation results.