South Korean leader calls for ‘overhaul of military culture’

ANKARA (AA) - South Korean President Moon Jae-in on Monday called for a complete “overhaul of military culture” in the country, as a female air force officer allegedly committed suicide after sexual assault, local media reported.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Park Kyung-mee, the president’s spokesperson, said that Moon has directed the government to establish a task force to come up with “fundamental” measures to change the barracks culture.

The president also asked the country's National Assembly to pass a pending bill to revise the law on the military court.

The country's military is facing criticism over the death of a female soldier, who was sexually assaulted by her colleague in a car in early March and reported the case to some of her seniors.

Her seniors are accused of attempting to cover up the crime. She was found dead at her residence in late May in an apparent suicide, according to the news agency.

On Sunday, Moon offered a public apology over her death and also ordered a thorough probe into the crime and how authorities have handled it.

"I am very sorry to the people over such an evil practice in the barracks culture that led to the tragic and unjust death," Moon said.

On Friday, the country Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Lee Seong-yong offered his resignation which was accepted by the president.

*Writing by Islamuddin Sajid