Two Disciplinary Committee Members Dismissed Following Sexual Harassment Allegations Against Female Coast Guard Officer

▲ Changwon Coast Guard Station

The Changwon Coast Guard has dismissed two external members of its disciplinary committee following allegations that they made sexually harassing remarks toward a female employee. Police have launched an investigation into the matter.

The Masan Jungbu Police Station announced on Tuesday (June 23) that it had recently received a criminal complaint accusing the two disciplinary committee members of insult.

According to the complaint, the two members allegedly made inappropriate comments to a female employee at the Changwon Coast Guard in January, such as ordering her to make coffee, remarking on her weight by saying, "Look how fat you've gotten," asking, "Won't you pour me a glass of soju?" and stating, "You'll be a grandmother in a couple of days."

It was determined that these individuals, who are former Coast Guard officials, had been appointed to serve as members of the Changwon Coast Guard's disciplinary committee.

As external members, these two individuals held the authority to participate in disciplinary proceedings regarding misconduct by internal staff at the Changwon Coast Guard.

The Changwon Coast Guard disciplinary committee consists of 24 members in total, 13 of whom were appointed from outside the agency in accordance with regulations such as the Police Official Disciplinary Decree.

Following the emergence of these allegations, the Coast Guard dismissed the two individuals from their positions on the committee.

Their original terms were set to expire in December of this year and July of next year, respectively.

The police plan to book the two individuals and investigate the exact circumstances of the incident.

It has also been reported that allegations have surfaced within the Coast Guard that a current police officer at the Changwon Coast Guard also made remarks that could be considered sexual harassment toward the same female employee who was allegedly insulted by the committee members.

It is alleged that a senior official at the Changwon Coast Guard made comments lacking gender sensitivity regarding the victim's personal life in front of others, and that the Chief of the Changwon Coast Guard was aware of these incidents but failed to take appropriate action.

The Korea Coast Guard is currently conducting an internal inspection regarding this matter.

A Coast Guard official stated, "It is difficult to comment as the details are currently under investigation."

The current Changwon Coast Guard employee and the station chief involved are reportedly on sick leave.

(Photo: Yonhap News TV, Yonhap News)

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