Navy inspectors have launched an investigation into allegations a vice admiral sexually harassed a caddie, military officials said Thursday.
The exact nature of the allegations is not clear, but reports have suggested the vice admiral demanded the caddie sing songs and dance for him.
Defense Minister Han Min-koo, who was briefed on the allegations late Wednesday, ordered a thorough investigation and strict action if necessary, ministry spokesman Kim Min-seok said in a regular press briefing.
The Navy’s internal inspectors have left for the southern port city of Jinhae, 410 kilometers south of Seoul, to conduct an investigation into the truth behind the allegations, said Cdr. Lim Myeong-soo, chief of the Navy’s public relations team.
“At the end of January, the commander of the relevant unit was briefed on the allegations, and as they were filed under problem counseling, the commander gave advice that the caddie should politely decline such requests,” Lim said.
“(The person who filed the complaint) is saying that’s not true,” he said. “The inspectors are investigating the exact details.”
It is the latest in a recent series of sexual offenses involving senior military officers.
In late January, an Army colonel was arrested on charges of sexually assaulting a female subordinate several times. Three months earlier, a major general in charge of an Army division in the Seoul metropolitan area was arrested on charges of sexually harassing a female subordinate at his office five times. (Yonhap)
