Division Commander "He Was an Honorable Soldier" Memorial Tribute
The funeral ceremony for a trainee who collapsed during military discipline training (punishment training) and died two days later was held on the morning of the 30th at a funeral hall in Naju, Jeonnam, his hometown.
According to Yonhap News, "About 100 people, including military officials such as Army 12th Division Commander Jo Woo-je, and the bereaved family attended the funeral ceremony held by the unit commander." In the outdoor space of the funeral hall where the ceremony was held, the deceased's portrait was displayed along with a floral wreath from President Yoon Seok-yeol and the 'Army Devotion Award' presented by the Army Chief of Staff.
At the funeral ceremony, which began with memorial music performed by the military band, a friend of the deceased said in a eulogy, "It pains me that I can no longer see my friend’s bright smile," and added, "I will forever remember his considerate and kind nature." The friend, dressed in military uniform, saluted the deceased as a farewell gesture on his final journey.
Division Commander Jo also expressed condolences in his memorial speech, saying, "I deeply mourn with all the soldiers for the family who must send their beloved son off with tears and the friends who cherish happy memories," and "He was an honorable soldier who was more passionate and dedicated than anyone else in his training."
During the memorial speeches and flower offerings, the bereaved family continuously shed tears. The deceased, who left the funeral hall receiving salutes from the lined-up soldiers, was laid to rest at the Daejeon National Cemetery for eternal rest.
The deceased collapsed around 5:20 p.m. on the 23rd while undergoing military discipline training at the recruit training center in Inje, Gangwon Province, and was urgently transported to a civilian hospital but passed away on the afternoon of the 25th, two days later. It is known that at the time, he was undergoing military discipline training while carrying full combat gear around the parade ground. According to military discipline training regulations, only walking is allowed while in full combat gear, but the deceased was reportedly ordered to run and was also instructed to do push-ups in full combat gear before collapsing.
The Gangwon Provincial Police Agency has taken over the case from the Army and is investigating the company commander and deputy company commander on charges of professional negligence resulting in death and abuse of authority involving harsh treatment.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
