"I Wish It Were Just a Dream"... A Mother's Cry After Losing Her Son in a Grenade Accident

Trainee Killed in Grenade Accident on the 21st
"How Can We Express This Grief?"
"Holding the Funeral Amidst Pain"

Amid a wave of condolences for the trainee who died in a grenade explosion accident, the trainee's mother expressed her heartfelt longing, saying, "I wish this were just a dream."

On the 23rd, a post titled "Sincere condolences for the deceased" was uploaded on the national military communication service app 'The Camp.' The author, A, who identified herself as "the mother of the 32nd Division trainee who went to heaven," said, "Contrary to expectations, military life was bearable, training was manageable, and when he said let's meet next week to eat something delicious and watch a movie, our son who said 'Okay' can no longer be seen again."

A said, "I told him I missed him so much and wanted to see him quickly, and he said, 'You can see me next week, so please hold on a little longer. I will also do my best.' Why did our son end up like this?" She added, "How scared and difficult must he have been? Why did he have to leave so tragically? Who should I blame?"

Furthermore, she said, "Why was our son, who answered the country's call and fulfilled his duty of national defense by enlisting, exposed to such danger and led to an accident? How terrified must he have been at that moment?" She continued, "I want to see my son and feel like going with him. How can I express this grief? We are holding the funeral in pain."

Finally, A said, "I hope the young trainees who trained together can be transferred to their units without trauma," and added, "I will send off my beloved son well until the end. Thank you for the deep condolences."

Netizens who read the post responded with comments such as, "Sincere condolences for the deceased. Thinking about what the bereaved family, especially the mother, must be feeling is heartbreaking," "As a mother who also sent her son to the military, I cannot even imagine the current grief. I hope you can gather your strength," "Wishing peace and rest for your son," and "I don't know what words of comfort to offer. I will pray that your son goes to a good place."

Earlier, at around 9:50 a.m. on the 21st, a grenade exploded during training at the 32nd Division Recruit Training Center, resulting in the death of one trainee and injuries to a platoon leader. Military police and civilian police conducted a joint investigation, and are examining the exact cause of the accident through witnesses and on-site closed-circuit television (CCTV). The military authorities plan to send the recovered grenade to the National Forensic Service for a detailed examination.

Meanwhile, Defense Minister Shin Won-sik posted on his Facebook earlier that day, "I visited the funeral hall of the trainee who died in the grenade explosion accident to offer condolences to the bereaved family," and expressed, "It is deeply regrettable and sorrowful that a young man who never got to realize his youthful dreams has passed away." He also conveyed his sympathy to the soldiers of the 32nd Division who lost a comrade, and said, "We pray for the speedy recovery of the platoon leader who was seriously injured and is currently receiving treatment, and we will spare no effort or support for his quick recovery."