A court has upheld disciplinary action against a married military prosecutor who expressed romantic feelings toward a junior female officer, ruling that a three-month salary reduction was lawful.


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⚖️ Case Overview

Court: Seoul Administrative Court

Decision Date: December 12, 2025

Disposition Challenged: 3-month salary reduction

Result: Lawsuit dismissed — discipline upheld



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🧾 What Happened?

The plaintiff was an Air Force military prosecutor.

In June 2023, he:

Contacted a junior female officer privately.

Suggested meals and personal meetings.

Met her during work hours and went on a walk together.

Drove her in his vehicle.


During the meeting, he reportedly said:

“I’ve liked you for a long time.”

“I’ve had feelings for you.”



Both individuals were married at the time.

The junior officer reported the conduct as sexual harassment, stating she felt shocked and deeply uncomfortable.


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🔎 Internal Review Findings

The Air Force grievance committee concluded:

The mere act of private contact was not necessarily harassment.

However, the June 8 statements expressing romantic interest:

Caused sexual discomfort and humiliation.

Constituted sexual harassment.



The Ministry of National Defense later imposed a 3-month salary reduction.


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🛡️ Plaintiff’s Argument

The officer claimed:

The junior officer had first shown interest.

His comments were made to clarify boundaries.

The disciplinary process was flawed.



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🧠 Court’s Reasoning

The court rejected his arguments, emphasizing:

Audio recordings showed:

The plaintiff repeatedly expressing affection.

The junior officer appearing flustered and attempting to change the topic.


As a married superior officer:

Expressing romantic interest to a married subordinate could reasonably be perceived as humiliating and offensive.


The public interest in:

Preventing workplace sexual harassment.

Maintaining discipline within the military. outweighed the plaintiff’s personal disadvantage.



The court found no abuse of discretion in the disciplinary decision.


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📚 Why This Case Matters

Romantic confessions in hierarchical workplace settings can constitute harassment if they cause discomfort.

Power imbalance is a critical factor.

Even without explicit sexual language, repeated expressions of personal affection can qualify as misconduct.

Courts give deference to disciplinary authorities where:

Procedures are lawful.

Sanctions are proportionate.



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Key Takeaway

In structured organizations like the military, personal feelings voiced in the wrong direction and at the wrong rank can carry professional consequences.

Article: https://www.lawtimes.co.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=216295