"My Son Died, What Can I Do About This Injustice?" Mother of Deceased Private's Outcry

Another Army Death One Month After 12th Division Trainee's Death
"It Must Be Thoroughly Investigated Why My Son Died"

Following a trainee death incident at the Army's 12th Division, another soldier in his 20s from the Army's 51st Infantry Division has died, prompting an investigation by the police and military authorities. The deceased soldier's parents are demanding a thorough investigation into the truth.

On the 23rd, a post titled "Our son in the 51st Division has died" was uploaded on the online cafe "Parents of Soldiers' Sons," a community of parents with soldier sons.

On the 19th, a soldier is paying tribute to the deceased at the memorial incense altar set up by the 12th Army Division at Yongsan Station Plaza in Seoul. [Image source=Yonhap News]

The author, presumed to be the mother of the deceased private, said, "I received a phone call at 6 a.m. saying 'our son has died,'" and began, "I don't understand why something I only saw on the news is happening to me." She continued, "This must never be overlooked," and emphasized, "He was assigned to his unit on May 30, and it hasn't even been a month. The reason why my son died must be thoroughly revealed."

She added, "What about my son's injustice?" and appealed, "I came home to hold the funeral tomorrow. My son was on guard duty between 4 and 6 a.m., so why this happened must be clearly uncovered. Please pay attention and watch closely."

Meanwhile, according to the Gyeonggi Southern Provincial Police Agency and military authorities, around 5 a.m. that day, Private A, belonging to the direct command unit outside the 51st Division in Bibong-myeon, Hwaseong City, Gyeonggi Province, was found dead. Private A was a new recruit assigned to his unit at the end of last month, and no signs of homicide or other criminal suspicion were found at the scene where he was discovered.

The police and military authorities are investigating the exact circumstances of the incident, including whether Private A was subjected to bullying, verbal abuse, or physical assault within the unit.