Reports of Sexual Misconduct Against Female Service Members Surge Over Sixfold, Lawmaker Reveals

SEOUL: Reports of sexual misconduct against female service members have surged dramatically in recent years, increasing more than sixfold from 2020 to 2023, according to data released by the defense ministry and cited by a lawmaker on Wednesday. According to Yonhap News Agency, the number of reported cases rose from 135 in 2020 to 604 as of September 2023. The figures show a steady increase, with 366 cases reported in 2021, 673 in 2022, and 867 in 2023. In total, there have been 2,645 cases over this period, with 1,730 reports of sexual harassment and 915 involving more severe forms of sexual violence, such as rape and sexual assault. The defense ministry attributed the rise in reported cases to increased willingness among female troops to report incidents of sexual misconduct. This shift in behavior follows the 2021 death of an Air Force service member, MSgt. Lee Ye-ram, who died by suicide after reporting a case of molestation by a male superior. Investigations into her death revealed additional sexual as saults and attempts by colleagues to cover up the case, which led to widespread public outrage. In response to the surge in cases, the ministry has taken steps to bolster support for victims. The number of sexual violence counselors in the military has increased from 50 in 2021 to 150 in 2023. Furthermore, a dedicated organization against sexual violence was established in 2022 to address these issues more effectively.