Song Young-gil, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is attending the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly on the 7th and delivering an opening remark. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@
[Asia Economy Reporter Jeon Jin-young] The Democratic Party of Korea announced on the 7th that it will form a "Task Force (TF) for Eradicating Military Crimes and Protecting Victims" in relation to the death of an Air Force non-commissioned officer due to sexual harassment.
Song Young-gil, the party leader, said at the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly that morning, "The Supreme Council has decided to form a TF led by Assemblyman Min Hong-chul," adding, "We will thoroughly revise all related laws and systems, including the closed military culture, response to sexual crimes, and the incompetent military judicial system."
Leader Song emphasized, "The party and government will make every effort to eradicate outdated military customs," and stated, "We will hold accountable all perpetrators, accomplices, and commanding officers regardless of their rank or position."
Senior Spokesperson Ko Yong-jin told reporters after the meeting, "President Moon Jae-in visited the funeral hall of Sergeant Lee and apologized, and in relation to preparing follow-up measures, the Democratic Party has been working confidentially," adding, "The National Defense Committee, the Women and Family Committee, and the Legislation and Judiciary Committee have been working confidentially, but now the TF will be formed publicly."
Regarding the opposition party's demands for a military hearing and special prosecutor, Senior Spokesperson Ko said, "We have established a TF including the Ministry of National Defense investigation and three standing committees. If that is still insufficient, we will proceed with the process of creating a special committee," and added, "I believe that demanding a special prosecutor or a state audit at this time is a political claim."
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