Chuncheon, South Korea – A South Korean court on Wednesday sentenced two military officers to prison for their roles in the death of a trainee during unauthorized and excessive physical training.
Captain Kang, 28, and First Lieutenant Nam, 26, both stationed at the 12th Infantry Division's recruit training center in Inje, Gangwon Province, were found guilty of hazing, abuse of power, and negligence causing death. They were sentenced to five and three years in prison, respectively.
The incident occurred on May 23, 2023, when the officers subjected six trainees, including the deceased, to rigorous and unauthorized physical exercises. When one of the trainees, identified only by his surname Park, collapsed, the officers failed to provide adequate medical attention, leading to his death.
The court ruled that the officers' actions constituted hazing and abuse of power, and that their negligence was a direct cause of Park's death. Judge Kim Sung-rae emphasized the severity of the crime, stating, "The defendants inflicted harsh physical training on new recruits, who were not physically prepared for such punishment. This kind of abnormal training not only harms individuals but also undermines military morale, combat effectiveness, and public trust in the military."
The court also noted the young age of the victim and the psychological trauma suffered by the other trainees. "A 21-year-old lost his life, and the other victims endured severe physical pain," Judge Kim said. "The defendants have not been forgiven by the victims."
While the court acknowledged that the officers may have intended to improve the trainees' discipline, it ruled that the excessive and unauthorized nature of the training crossed the line into hazing and abuse.
The case has sparked renewed outrage in South Korea over the issue of hazing in the military, a persistent problem that has led to numerous deaths and injuries over the years. Despite efforts by the South Korean government to eradicate hazing, the practice remains widespread, particularly in the military.
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