Ministry of National Defense Launches Investigation into Alleged Hazing of Senior Soldier by Successor in Sangmu Army Unit

[Asia Economy Reporter Jang Sehee] The Ministry of National Defense Investigation Headquarters is investigating harsh treatment by senior soldiers toward junior soldiers in the 1st Competition Unit Track and Field Team of the Armed Forces Athletic Corps (Sangmu).

The Ministry of National Defense and the athletics community announced on the 1st, "There are allegations of harsh treatment within the Sangmu Track and Field Team, and the military police are conducting an investigation."

Some senior soldiers of the Sangmu Track and Field Team, who enlisted in 2019, are suspected of subjecting junior soldiers who joined this year to harsh treatment during training in Mungyeong.

In response, the Ministry of National Defense stated, "Since this is an ongoing investigation, we cannot disclose detailed information."

The informant said, "I heard that junior soldiers secretly used mobile phones during work hours, and upon seeing this, the senior soldiers gathered all the junior soldiers and disciplined them."

Meanwhile, the Korea Association of Athletics Federations said, "Once the Ministry of National Defense completes the investigation, we will follow the manual, including convening the Sports Fairness Committee depending on the results."