A U.S. soldier stationed in South Korea is under investigation on suspicion of sexual assault, according to the Army.
The 21-year-old Korean-American soldier, assigned to the 2nd Infantry Division at Camp Humphreys in Pyeongtaek, is accused of raping a 24-year-old Korean-Canadian woman he met through an app, according to Stars and Stripes, who first reported the news.
The soldier went out for a drink with the woman on Saturday while he was on leave in Busan, and the woman said he took her to a guesthouse where he allegedly raped her, the newspaper reported. The soldier, whose name has not been released, has not been formally charged.
Lt. Col. Chris Hyde, 2nd Infantry Division spokesman, told Army Times in an email that the soldier involved is a junior enlisted soldier. He added that standard procedures in such a case include revoking pass privileges to leave the installation, and "the command is committed to ensuring he is made available for questioning."
Hyde also said that additional details of the incident are under investigation and no further information will be released at this time.
"[The soldier] is currently being investigated by the Korean National Police and U.S. Army Crime Investigation Department for an alleged sexual assault on Feb. 18," Hyde said. "The details of this incident and surrounding circumstances are currently under investigation."
Charlsy Panzino covers the Guard and Reserve, training, technology, operations and features for Army Times and Air Force Times. Email her at cpanzino@militarytimes.com.
Charlsy is a Reporter and Engagement Manager for Military Times. Email her at cpanzino@militarytimes.com.
