A social media journalist investigating allegations against seven former and current Cornell University students has contacted the South Korean military after an online profile attributed to Korean defendant Winston Lee reportedly listed service in the Republic of Korea Army.
Ginny, a Korean-Canadian creator who identifies herself as a reporter working in Canada, said she called an office linked to South Korea's 8th Maneuver Division to seek confirmation of claims that Lee was serving in the military. The call was recorded and later posted to her social media accounts.
The enquiry comes as prosecutors in Tompkins County reopen their criminal investigation into allegations that a woman was sexually assaulted by seven men at Cornell University's Chi Phi fraternity house in October 2024. Lee is one of seven defendants named in a civil lawsuit filed by the woman, who is identified as Jane Doe.
Online Claims About Lee's Military Service
In the recording, Ginny tells the person who answers the phone that she is investigating allegations involving seven Cornell students and refers to online claims that Lee is serving in the 26th Mechanized Infantry Division.
She asks whether the military can confirm the claim and seeks an interview with an official. The recording does not show the person confirming Lee's identity, military service or current posting.
The call follows a wider online effort to investigate Lee's background. The Korea Times reported that a LinkedIn profile attributed to Lee lists experience with the Republic of Korea Army, while conflicting claims have circulated online about whether he is currently in South Korea or has returned to Cornell. The newspaper said the claims about his whereabouts and military service remain unverified.
Cornell's directory currently lists Lee as a student, according to subsequent reporting, although social media users have made conflicting claims about his current whereabouts.
26th Division Was Integrated Into 8th Division
The military unit cited in the online claims also requires clarification.
South Korea's 26th Mechanized Infantry Division was disbanded in 2018 and integrated with the 8th Mechanized Infantry Division during an army restructuring programme. The reorganised formation later became known as the 8th Maneuver Division.
The existence of the successor unit does not establish whether Lee served in the former 26th Division or has any current connection to it.
No official confirmation of Lee's military status has been publicly established.
Prosecutors Reopen Cornell Investigation
Tompkins County District Attorney Matthew Van Houten reopened the criminal investigation after Jane Doe filed her civil lawsuit in September. His office had previously decided not to pursue criminal charges following the 2024 investigation.
The lawsuit alleges that Doe, then 20, was given alcohol and drugs before being sexually assaulted at the Chi Phi fraternity house. Those allegations have not been established in court.
Cornell has said it supports the reopened criminal investigation. The university previously conducted a Title IX investigation that resulted in suspensions and expulsions, while the Chi Phi chapter was closed and remains barred from campus.
The seven men named in the lawsuit remain civil defendants. No criminal charges have been brought against them at this stage, while prosecutors prepare to present the reopened case to a grand jury after determining what charges, if any, are appropriate.
