[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] President Moon Jae-in stated that the recent Air Force non-commissioned officer sexual harassment incident should serve as an opportunity to fundamentally improve military culture by establishing an organization for military culture improvement that includes civilian members.
Park Kyung-mi, spokesperson for the Blue House, announced on the afternoon of the 7th, "President Moon gave instructions this morning for measures to improve military culture," conveying this message.
President Moon said, "We cannot overlook incidents related to the military that have angered the public recently," and added, "At this juncture, we should establish an organization that can comprehensively improve military culture beyond individual cases and use it as a fundamental turning point."
He further instructed, "Allow civilian members to participate in this organization." However, he did not specify the size, launch timing, or the level of the newly established organization.
He also requested the passage of the Military Court Act amendment, which aims to guarantee the independence of military justice and the right of military personnel to a fair trial in practice. President Moon said, "Create a system to prevent such incidents from recurring," and "I request the prompt passage of the Military Court Act amendment in the National Assembly." Currently, this bill is pending in the Judiciary Committee.
According to a key Blue House official, President Moon also reportedly remarked, "Officers have their roles, non-commissioned officers have theirs, and soldiers have theirs; roles should be distinguished by function, but there is a perception that these are like statuses, and problems have arisen from that."
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