In an off-base officers' quarters of the Marine Corps in Pohang, North Gyeongsang, a noncommissioned officer was found dead in a firearm incident, prompting investigations by the military and police. How a firearm and live rounds were taken off base has also been placed among those surveyed.
According to the Marine Corps on the 3rd, in the morning a noncommissioned officer with the rank of staff sergeant, identified as A, was found dead with a gunshot wound at an off-base residence reserved for Marine Corps officers in Nam-gu, Pohang.
A did not report to the unit past start time and could not be reached, leading a unit official to check the quarters, where the body was reportedly found. A firearm was also found at the scene.
So far, no signs of external intrusion or criminal suspicion have been confirmed. However, because the incident site was off-base quarters and was reportedly some distance from A's unit, the military is checking how a firearm and live rounds were taken out of the unit.
Because A was found after the weekend, the exact time of death has not yet been determined. Military investigators are also looking into whether there were issues in the firearm management process and the circumstances of the live rounds being taken out.
The Marine Corps said that relevant agencies, including the military and police, are investigating the exact circumstances of the incident.