Police have launched an investigation into allegations that members of a disciplinary committee at a Coast Guard station in Gyeongnam province, who are responsible for overseeing internal disciplinary procedures, made sexually harassing remarks to a female employee.

The Masan Jungbu Police Station announced today (June 23) that it recently received a criminal complaint requesting an investigation into two members of the Changwon Coast Guard disciplinary committee on charges of insult.

The complaint alleges that the two committee members ordered a female employee at the Changwon Coast Guard to make them coffee in January and made derogatory remarks such as "Look how fat you are," "Aren't you going to pour me a glass of soju," and "You'll be a grandmother in a couple of days."

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

As external appointees, these two members hold the authority to participate in disciplinary proceedings regarding misconduct by Changwon Coast Guard personnel.

A Changwon Coast Guard official stated, "We plan to consider removing the members from their positions once we receive official notification regarding the investigation."

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

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

Reports indicate that a high-ranking 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.

Multiple attempts were made to contact the Chief of the Changwon Coast Guard for comment on this matter, but no response was provided.

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

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

It is reported that the current Changwon Coast Guard employee and the Chief are both currently on sick leave.

(Photo: Yonhap News TV, Yonhap News)