More sexual harassment alleged at 15th Special Activity Wing

An official from the Center for Military Human RIghts Korea describes allegations during a press conference at the center's office in Mapo District, western Seoul, on Tuesday. [NEWS1]

Another woman soldier has complained of sexual harassment at the 15th Special Activity Wing of the Air Force, where a female master sergeant committed suicide in May 2021 after claiming she was sexually abused by a male colleague.

According to the Center for Military Human Rights Korea on Tuesday, a female sergeant in the 15th Special Activity Wing reported sexual harassment to authorities in April, which she said began in January.

The alleged perpetrator, a warrant officer, was appointed to the unit in July 2021.

The warrant officer allegedly harassed the sergeant by touching her shoulders and feet on the pretext of giving her a massage, and lifting up her garments to administer so-called cupping therapy.

In April, according to the center, the warrant officer ordered the sergeant to kiss a male sergeant who had tested positive for Covid-19 and place her fingers on his tongue. When she refused, he allegedly ordered her to lick saliva from the sergeant that he placed on the back of his own hand.

The woman finally agreed to drink a beverage left by the sergeant and was confirmed with Covid-19 three days later.

The warrant officer also allegedly verbally taunted the sergeant, saying, “I can’t get married to you, but you should marry my son so I can have you as a daughter-in-law,” and “I want you to say that you love me.” He also urged her to break up with her boyfriend.

The female sergeant reported the case to the Air Force’s Gender Equality Center on April 14. The warrant officer was arrested on April 26, after threatening the sergeant through Telegram messages days before his arrest.

The Center for Military Human Rights Korea said in a press conference Tuesday that the military had responded poorly after the victim had filed the report. After the report was filed, the military did not transfer the warrant officer or separate him from the female sergeant.

“We deeply apologize for causing concern to the public through this case,” said the Air Force in a statement Tuesday. “We will deal with this case strictly in accordance with laws and regulations, and we plan to seek advice from a group of private advisors to prevent unfair damage during the investigation process.”

BY HA SU-YOUNG [lim.jeongwon@joongang.co.kr]