[Iclickart]
South Korea's defense ministry ordered an inspection of an alleged abuse of power at the official residence of a four-star field army commander who has been aided by soldiers responsible for house keeping and administrative work.
The investigation, which will begin on Wednesday, follows a report from a military human rights watchdog that set the internet alight with angry posts condemning "Gapjil" by the family of the general identified by his surname Park.
Gapjil in Korean means an abuse of power such as mistreatment, arrogant behavior, crude talk, character assassination, and insults. Such a practice has become an important social issue since President Moon Jae-in promised to eradicate it as part of his push for social and economic justice.
"Based on the outcome of its inspection, the defense ministry will take stern measures," ministry spokesman Moon Sang-gyun told reporters, adding the commander has extended his sincere apology for arousing public anxiety.
In a report published on its website, the Military Human Rights Center for Korea demanded Park's immediate dismissal from his post and a criminal investigation into his wife, accusing her of mistreating soldiers.
The watchdog insisted that an unspecified number of soldiers had been treated unfairly by Park's family from March 2016 while being mobilized for laundry, ironing, housekeeping, toilet cleaning, and other private affairs. Especially, the wife was accused of insulting the soldiers while treating them like slaves, it said, adding they were even barred from contacting the outside.
"The victims should get a reasonable apology and compensation from the military," the watchdog said, suggesting the commander's wife should get "legal liability" for brutality such as wielding a kitchen knife. "The abuse of power is shocking and beyond common sense."
reporter
Lim Chang-won
cwlim34@ajunews.com
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