In this semester, I’m volunteering at one of the human rights non-government organizations. My job is doing the project with 2 other students, so every Friday, I go to the organization. The project is making the homepage for Lieutenant Colonel Ms.Pee.   

    Have you heard any news about Lieutenant Colonel Ms.Pee Woo-jin? She has been in the military for 30 years, and she is the first woman helicopter pilot in Korean military history. During the time of the army life, she has fought against the prejudice of sexism which is deeply rooted in Korean military system. It is sure that she had such a hard time in the military for being the first woman helicopter pilot.

    In 2002, she got breast cancer on the left breast, but she cut off both of breasts. The reason was that breasts bothers her to do military training. After the surgery, she ragained her health quickly, so the cancer was recovered clearly. She went back to the military and did her job greatly for 3 years after the cancer surgery.

    But in 2006, suddenly, the Korean Ministry of  National Defence discharged her from the military because she doesn’t have a part of her body, the breasts. The reason was so ridiculous! She has done her duties without any heath problem for 3 years after the surgery! It is assumed that the actual reason of firing her is based on sexism and her attitude, because she doesn’t hesitate to speak frankly to the people who have higher ranks than her.

   She institued a suit against the discharge and won the suit, but the Korean Ministry of  National Defence appealed against the decision of the district court.

    The human rights organization that I’m volunteering helped her to win the suit. So I’m working on making the homepage of this issue to let more people know about the unfair dismissal. Also, I had an interview with her yesterday – the interview will be on the homepage. It’ll be great if you care about this issue and support her even from the online. The homepage will be opened on 3rd of December. I’ll let you know the address of homepage!