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Army Chief of Staff Gen. Nam Yeong-shin has been embroiled in controversy after inappropriate remarks he made during his visit to an Army artillery school on April 21 became known to the public recently.
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| Army Chief of Staff Gen. Nam Yeong-shin / Korea Times file |
The remarks in question came when he said, "There would be many second lieutenants who have boyfriends or girlfriends. But you know what? While you are stuck here, your lovers could be having an affair with others."
Critics said Nam, as the Army chief, made inappropriate remarks, even if in jest, considering that many soldiers and officers have had a hard time since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic early last year.
Amid growing controversy, Nam offered an apology, Tuesday, saying, "I intended to encourage and relax newly commissioned officers who have put up with training for about two months, but I made some inappropriate comments. I apologize for this."
The Center for Military Human Rights Korea, however, claimed that Nam's remarks constituted sexual harassment, and his explanation that he just intended to relax officers was just like the excuses typically made by harassers.
"We express our deep concerns over the Army chief of staff's poor understanding about the sensitive issue of sexual harassment," the center said in its statement. "We urge the Army to review its education for commanders on prevention of sexual harassment, sexual violence and sexual discrimination."
