Officials at South Korea's prosecution office have been accused by female prosecutor of sexual harrassment... in a case that's got national attention... and prompted more women across society to come forward with their own stories.
Prime Minister Lee has called the sexual harrassment claims a "crisis" for the prosecution... and called on government agencies to prevent any more such cases.
Our Park Hee-jun has more.
South Korean Prime Minister Lee Nak-yeon has called the alleged sexual harrassment at the prosecution office the agency's "worst crisis."
At a Cabinet meeting on Monday,... he called for a thorough probe into the allegations to prevent similar cases from happening in the future.
"I believe this is the prosecution's worst-ever crisis. I ask the proseuction, staking its honor -- no, even its existence -- to find out the truth about these accusations and take appropriate action."
He also ordered the gender equality ministry and other relevant organizations to do their utmost to prevent victims or informants from being retaliated against -- and to look into sexual misconduct at government and public organizations.
Last week, a female prosecutor named Seo Ji-hyeon went public claiming she was groped by a then senior Justice Ministry official at a funeral back in 2010.
She said that after she reported the case she was given a disciplinary warning for "lack of performance" and was transfered to a less desirable post in 2015.
Her claims have sparked a sort of "Me Too" movement in Korea, prompting more women at private firms, the film industry and other areas to talk about their own experiences of sexual harrassment and assault.
Under an order from the Ministry of Justice,... the prosecution says it's conducting a thorough investigation into Seo Ji-hyeon's case,... and looking into whether there are more cases like hers.
Park Hee-jun, Arirang News.
