The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) said it is necessary to implement suicide prevention education for commanders for the division commander affiliated with the Marine who jumped to his death and to prepare measures to exercise meticulous caution when conveying unconfirmed information to the families of soldiers at risk of suicide.
According to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on the 19th, Marine Sgt. A did not return to his unit after regular leave and then jumped to his death. At the time, A left home after leaving a note saying "I'm sorry."
The bereaved family filed a petition with the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), saying A had no problems before enlisting in the Marines but showed signs of mental abnormality during service, and that the company commander and others failed to take appropriate measures, leading to the death.
Based on witness statements, investigation records, and a response to an appraisal request from the National Forensic Service, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) found that A's psychological state worsened after being disciplined for violating regulations on indoor smoking and mobile phone use during service.
Afterwards, upon receiving a report that the victim was different from usual, the company commander met with the victim and, through the personal information management committee, raised the victim's personal management grade to "consideration" and took measures such as excluding the victim from duty for a certain period. However, management measures stipulated in the "Marine Corps personal status identification operating regulations," such as conducting interviews at least once a month and designating a dedicated officer, were not implemented. The same was true after a new company commander took office.
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) dismissed the petition, saying it is difficult to view the case as a human rights violation, given that no facts were found to confirm that A suffered assault, bullying, or barracks malaise in the unit, and that measures such as designating A as a "consideration" soldier were taken after signs of abnormality were detected.
However, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) noted, "Whether regular interviews, designation of a dedicated officer (mentor), and information sharing with the family for soldiers classified as at risk of suicide are carried out without omission is a critical matter directly tied to life," adding, "There is a need to conduct suicide prevention education for commanders."
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) also viewed as inappropriate the fact that when A did not return from leave, the company commander mentioned the possibility of disciplinary action during calls with A and A's father.
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) said, "Mentions related to discipline can cause excessive anxiety or psychological pressure to the person concerned and the family depending on how they are expressed, so they need to be handled with care," adding, "It is desirable to prepare measures to exercise meticulous caution when conveying unconfirmed information to soldiers at risk of suicide and their families."