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South Korean Defense Minister Suh Wook testifies before the National Assembly National Defense Committee on June 9 on the death of the Air Force master sergeant who died by suicide after being sexually assaulted. (Yonhap News)

A general serving in a unit under the direct control of South Korea’s Ministry of National Defense has been arrested on charges of sexual misconduct against a subordinate. This is yet another sexual misconduct incident to occur while a major investigation is underway into the suicide of an Air Force master sergeant who was the victim of sexual harassment.

The latest incident is likely to raise questions about the extent to which Defense Minister Suh Wook should be held responsible.

The Defense Ministry said Tuesday that its Office of Investigations had arrested a brigadier general on Friday on the charge of committing sexual misconduct against a female subordinate at the end of last month.

The brigadier general reportedly made inappropriate physical contact with the woman in a karaoke room that he and his subordinates had visited following dinner and drinks. The incident came to light after the woman filed a report with military investigators on June 30.

This incident occurred during a special sexual assault reporting period — June 3-30 — selected by the Defense Ministry, and the general was reportedly the head of a unit under the direct command of Suh, the Defense Minister, leading some to press Suh to take responsibility.

“The perpetrator has been in custody [since Sunday]. The incident is currently being investigated, and we’re planning to take measures following a thorough investigation,” said Defense Ministry spokesperson Boo Seung-chan in the daily briefing Tuesday.

“We will provide the victim with legal and institutional support so that she can quickly return to her normal routine,” Boo added.

“We regard this incident as extremely grave and serious and intend to make an example [of the general],” the Ministry said. Service members said that “no excuses” could be made for the incident and called for a “fundamental strengthening of gender sensitivity training in the military.”

Following the suicide of the Air Force master sergeant who had been sexually harassed, Suh told the National Assembly’s National Defense Committee during a current affairs report on June 9 that he felt “very sorry to have caused such great distress to the public and the bereaved family.”

Suh also said he “keenly feels heavy responsibility as the Defense Minister.”

But given the continuing controversy about low-quality meals served to members of the military and allegations of sexual misconduct by an army general, some critics say that Suh’s orders aren’t being followed.

By Gil Yun-hyung, staff reporter

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