Following the tragic death of an army trainee during military discipline training, investigations have suggested that the circumstances in which the trainee passed away may hint at non-compliance with army regulations.
According to a statement by the South Korean Army, six trainees were undergoing military training at a unit in Gangwon Province on May 23 when, at approximately 5:20 PM, one of them suddenly collapsed. He was urgently transported to a civilian hospital for treatment. Unfortunately, his condition worsened quickly, and the trainee passed away 2 days later on the afternoon of May 25.
Following his death, the military and other police forces started an investigation into the collapse. Today, an Army official talked to the press and revealed that there is suspicion of non-compliance with regulations during military discipline training. This kind of training refers to physical and mental exercises directed by a commander to establish military discipline according to regulations and procedures.
The deceased trainee was reported to have been undergoing military training that involved marching around the parade ground in full gear. The exercise had been given as punishment to the six trainees who had been “noisy” the night before.
According to reports, on the night of May 22, six trainees were noisy, and as a result, the next afternoon, they were given extra training, which involved marching around the parade ground with full gear.
During this exercise, one trainee’s complexion and health appeared to deteriorate, and the other trainees reported this to the supervising officer on site, but no significant action was taken, and the extra training continued.
— Military Human Rights Center
In response to the Military Human Rights Center’s statement, an Army official explained, “This is a matter that needs to be verified through a joint investigation with the civilian police.”
The deceased trainee enlisted in the frontline division’s recruit training center on May 13. In recognition of his service, the Army has decided to posthumously promote him to First Class Private.
Source: Yonhap
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