South Korean Prime Minister Issues Emergency Order to "Thoroughly Investigate" Private's Death During Severe Cold

Private undergoing 'cold-weather training'
Found dead in tent on parade ground
Prime Minister Han Deok-su issues emergency order to Ministry of National Defense

[Asia Economy Reporter Koo Chae-eun] Prime Minister Han Duck-soo expressed his condolences on the death of a private who died during cold-weather training in Taebaek, Gangwon Province, on the 13th, and issued an urgent order to the Ministry of National Defense to "thoroughly investigate the cause and disclose it transparently, as this incident occurred while fulfilling the duty of national defense."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Earlier, on the 12th, according to the military and police, around 7 a.m. during morning roll call, Private A (in his 20s) was found dead at a military training ground of an army unit in Taebaek, Gangwon Province. At the time, tents had been set up on the training ground for so-called 'cold-weather training' to adapt to the severe cold, and Private A was reported to have died while sleeping in one of these tents.

The military authorities have found no criminal suspicion related to Private A's death and are investigating the exact circumstances of the death. It is reported that after discussions with the bereaved family, the precise training details and the circumstances of the accident will be disclosed.