Soldier Accused of Sexual Harassment of Colleague's Toe: "Put It in Mouth but Did Not Suck"

Court: "Molestation Act Clear... Negative Impact on Military Service"

A reservist who licked a fellow soldier's toe with his mouth during military service was found guilty in court.

According to the legal community on the 9th, the Jeju District Court Criminal Division 2 (Presiding Judge Jin Jae-kyung) sentenced Mr. A, who was charged with forcible molestation of a soldier, to 10 months in prison with a 2-year probation. Additionally, he was ordered to complete 120 hours of community service and 40 hours of sexual violence treatment lectures.

The photo is not related to the specific content of the article. [Photo by Asia Economy DB]

Mr. A, who served in a unit in Sejong, pulled the right foot of his fellow soldier Mr. B, who was sleeping next to him in the barracks after waking up in February last year, put B's toe in his mouth, sucked it, and licked it with his tongue. Startled, Mr. B woke up and strongly protested, asking, "What are you doing?" Mr. A immediately apologized.

After Mr. A was discharged, a police investigation was conducted. He claimed to the investigative agency, "It is true that B's foot was in my mouth, but I did not suck it."

Mr. A, who was brought to trial, later admitted his wrongdoing and showed a remorseful attitude in court.

The court stated, "In the special situation within the military, the defendant molested the victim, infringing not only on the victim's sexual self-determination rights but also undermining the morale and unity of the unit, thereby adversely affecting the military's combat power."

Under the Military Criminal Act, forcible molestation of a soldier is punishable by imprisonment of one year or more, and fines are not allowed. In Mr. A's case, the court showed leniency and sentenced him to a term lower than the standard sentencing guidelines.