Army officer arrested for sexually harassing 20 soldiers

A 40-year-old Army officer has been taken into custody on charges of sexually harassing 20 subordinate soldiers, the Army said Monday.

The major, identified only by his family name Ryu, a company commander of the 6th Army Corps, was arrested Friday on about 60 counts of sexual harassment after some soldiers filed petitions with the authorities.

"He made unwanted sexual advances for the past few months and is now undergoing mental tests while in custody," an Army official said.

Ryu, already married, is accused of having fondled the bottoms of his soldiers, including nine noncommissioned officers, and putting his hand into their underwear in what he said was "a show of friendly gestures."

He was assigned to lead a company in Yeoncheon, Gyeonggi Province in September.

Seoul/Incheon, July 24 (Yonhap News)