Military human rights commissioner opens ex officio investigation

Senior sergeant from same unit under criminal investigation

The National Human Rights Commission of Korea. [Herald Business DB]
The National Human Rights Commission of Korea. [Herald Business DB]

The National Human Rights Commission of Korea has launched an ex officio investigation into the death of a female staff sergeant assigned to the Army's 8th Division, who took her own life after raising grievances with her unit.

According to the commission, Standing Commissioner and Military Human Rights Commissioner Oh Young-geun decided Wednesday to open the ex officio investigation into the case.

The soldier, identified only by her surname initial A, was found dead at army quarters in Yangju, Gyeonggi Province, on Aug. 19. Before her death, she had filed a grievance with her unit, but appropriate follow-up measures were not taken.

The Gyeonggi Northern Police Agency's wide-area crime investigation unit, which took over the case from the military, has booked a noncommissioned officer in his 30s — a senior sergeant from the same unit — as a suspect and is investigating him on criminal charges. Commission officials have also attended the investigation.

Under the military human rights commissioner system, which took effect in 2022, the commission may attend and observe investigations into military deaths to examine whether human rights violations occurred. If an initial investigation report provides substantial grounds to believe a human rights violation has taken place, the military human rights commissioner may order an ex officio investigation.

To overcome the closed nature of military organizations, the commission is empowered to conduct on-site inspections directly inside military facilities. Since the system was introduced, ex officio investigations have been launched seven times.

Meanwhile, the Army confirmed that the commander of the 8th Division was relieved of duty Tuesday for negligence in unit management.

If you're thinking about self-harm or suicide, dial the Suicide Prevention Hotline at 109, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Please request a translator for English-language services.


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