Military Civilian Employee Prosecuted After Demanding Better Treatment

The Hankyoreh reports on a deeply troubling case where a military civilian employee, who dared to advocate for better treatment, now faces what appears to be retaliatory prosecution. This incident, detailed at a press conference held by the Military Human Rights Center and other labor groups, highlights a severe crackdown on the labor rights of civilian employees within the South Korean military.

According to the Military Human Rights Center, Son Dong-hwa, a representative for the National Military Civilian Employees Union, was indicted on charges of leaking military secrets. This action follows his submission of a petition to the National Assembly in June 2023, calling for legal revisions to guarantee basic rights and improve the treatment of military civilian employees. The petition garnered over 50,000 signatures, indicating significant public support for his cause.

The Military Human Rights Center and Son's legal team argue that the investigation by the Defense Counterintelligence Command (DICC) and the subsequent indictment by prosecutors are clear acts of retaliation for his petition. They contend that the information he allegedly leaked – regarding a plan to ban iPhones for military officials and civilian employees – is not even a clear military secret, as it had been reported in the media. This suggests a pattern of targeting individuals who speak out against unfair labor practices within the military structure.

This case is particularly galling from our perspective at Hankyoreh because it exposes the precarious position of military civilian employees. Despite being civilians, they are subjected to military law and discipline, face restrictions on union activities, and are even compelled to perform duties like night shifts, which are typically reserved for active military personnel. The recent disciplinary action against Son for refusing to adhere to an 'inhumane' haircut regulation further illustrates the oppressive environment. This situation demands not only a review of Son's case but a fundamental re-evaluation of the labor rights and treatment of all military civilian employees in South Korea.