The military’s appeals court has sentenced a two-star army general to six months in jail for sexually harassing his female soldier, and ordered him to be put on the public list of sex offenders, the Defense Ministry said Tuesday.

The major general of the 17th Infantry Division, identified by his surname Song, was arrested last October for allegedly hugging a staff sergeant and kissing her cheeks in his office on five occasions between August and September last year.

The High Court for Armed Forces said in its ruling that Song used his high position to commit the sexual crime despite his duty to protect his solider and support the stable management of her military life.

Song has claimed that he hugged her to “encourage her,” and that he had no intention of sexually harassing her. His attorney said Song would appeal the case.

By Song Sang-ho (sshluck@heraldcorp.com)