President Moon Visits Air Force NCO Memorial... "This Occasion Should Change Military Culture"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] President Moon Jae-in visited the memorial altar for Air Force non-commissioned officer Lee, a victim of sexual harassment, and instructed Minister of National Defense Seo Wook to "improve military culture."

On the morning of the 6th, after attending the Memorial Day ceremony at the National Seoul National Cemetery, President Moon visited the memorial altar for NCO Lee set up at the Armed Forces Capital Hospital to pay respects to the deceased and console the bereaved family.

President Moon expressed his condolences to NCO Lee’s parents, saying, "I cannot imagine how heartbroken you must be," and conveyed his apology, "I am sorry the nation could not protect her." NCO Lee’s father requested, "Please clear my daughter’s grievance and restore her honor."

The mother asked for a "thorough investigation," to which President Moon responded, "We will conduct a thorough investigation," adding, "Your health must have suffered greatly; please take care of your health."

He also instructed Minister Seo, who visited the memorial altar with him, to "not only conduct a thorough investigation but also use this opportunity to change the military culture."

At the Memorial Day ceremony that day, President Moon said, "I deeply apologize to the people for the lingering harmful customs in military culture that have caused regrettable and unjust deaths," and added, "We will correct these not only for the human rights of military personnel but also for their morale and national security."