The Army prosecution sought an arrest warrant against a two-star general on charges of sexually harassing a female staff sergeant between August and September on Friday

He was detained in his unit in Incheon the day before.

Defense Minister Han Min-koo made a public apology over the incident ― the latest in a recent series of abuse cases in the military, which has sparked intense public criticism of moral laxity and indiscipline.

The major general of the 17th Infantry Division, identified by his surname Song, allegedly hugged the staff sergeant and kissed her cheeks in his office on five occasions. The victim reported the incidents to a military counselor, who then reported to the higher authorities.

Song was nabbed in his office at around 9:24 p.m. on Thursday. The next morning, the Army asked the Army court to issue an arrest warrant against him.

“We will continue to apply a zero-tolerance policy to sex crimes in the military, regardless of rank. We will continue to ensure that such incidents are not repeated, and strengthen our education to prevent sex crimes,” said Minister Han during a parliamentary audit.

The sexual harassment case occurred less than four months after a major in the 17th Division was dismissed from his battalion commander post for sexually harassing a female officer.

In April, the major allegedly used vulgar words to sexually harass his subordinate colleague. He was dismissed and suspended for three months. The major was allegedly involved in a separate sexual harassment case in which a female first lieutenant committed suicide.

Amid growing criticism, the Army said that it would employ a “one-out” system under which anyone found to have committed sex crimes would be excluded from promotions and other benefits. It also vowed to strengthen education among troops, including senior officers, and the counseling program for female soldiers.

During a video meeting of top military commanders, Minister Han urged the military to “thoroughly” repent for the misdeeds and to tighten discipline to shore up public trust. The military has been under fire for a series of corruption and abuse cases.

Meanwhile, some 49,000 enlisted troops were found to have been classified as requiring special attention or “dangerous” to serve in the military, according to data sent by the Defense Ministry to Saenuri Party lawmaker Lee Byung-seok.

The figure accounts for some 8 percent of the total 610,000 troops, data showed. As many deadly incidents at front-line barracks have been caused by maladjusted soldiers who were classified as requiring special attention, calls have persisted that better care provision is needed for the troops.

During the parliamentary audit, lawmakers called for a major reform in the military’s judicial system, arguing that the system should keep pace with the open, transparent civilian system. They argued that the current system has many loopholes that could be abused.

The most controversial issue is that high-ranking unit commanders with no professional legal knowledge have the authority to reduce sentences meted out by the court on those under their chain of command. Military officials say the authority is needed to help commanders retain full, efficient control of their units.

By Song Sang-ho (sshluck@heraldcorp.com)