In relation to the death of a trainee that occurred at the Army training center in May last year, the company commander and deputy company commander who issued commands for improper military training (corporal punishment) were each sentenced to 5 years and 3 years in prison.
The Chuncheon District Court's 2nd Criminal Division, presided over by Director General Kim Seong-rae, held a sentencing hearing on the 7th regarding the abuse and manslaughter case of Mr. Kang (27, Captain) and Mr. Nam (25, First Lieutenant), and imposed the mentioned sentences.
The company commander and deputy company commander are accused of abusing their power to commit maltreatment and cruel acts by ordering and executing military training in violation of regulations, such as walking, running, completing one lap in order, and push-ups in full combat gear to six trainees, including the late Mr. Park, at about 4:30 p.m. on May 23 last year at the training ground of the Army's 12th Infantry Division.
The prosecution, which focused on investigating the circumstances and progress leading to the death of Mr. Park, concluded that "considering the weather conditions, training methods, progression, and the victim's physical condition, the victim died due to illegal military training that could be seen as abusive behavior," and sought sentences of 10 years and 7 years, respectively, for the accused.