[Asia Economy Reporter Seongpil Cho] The National Human Rights Commission of Korea expressed regret to the North Korean side and condolences to the bereaved families regarding the shooting death of a South Korean government official by North Korean soldiers.
On the 28th, the Human Rights Commission issued a statement in the name of Chairperson Choi Young-ae, stating, "We express regret over the act of shooting and killing our citizen near the Northern Limit Line (NLL) maritime area."
It added, "The shock, wounds, and disappointment felt by our citizens who hoped for the permanent establishment of peace are beyond words," emphasizing, "The right to life is an absolute right that must be protected under any circumstances, including war and conflict."
The Human Rights Commission strongly urged, "We strongly appeal to our government to take all measures so that the victim's body can be recovered and returned to the bereaved families," and added, "We extend our condolences to the families of our citizens who lost their lives."
Earlier, government official A, affiliated with the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, went missing on the 21st while performing duties on a fisheries guidance vessel near Yeonpyeong Island in the West Sea. According to government confirmation, it was later revealed that North Korean soldiers shot and killed him and burned his body.
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