The article presents a clear picture
regarding the events that occurred in June of 2014 when a South Korean soldier
opened fire on his fellow counterparts while on duty near the North Korean
border, killing five and injuring seven before shooting himself. This reignited
the debate on South Korean military culture, which requires all males to serve in
the military for about two years. The military court has finally come to a decision
and has sentenced “Im” to death. At first I thought, how could anyone kill
people that they would seemingly be so close to? Yet, as the article carries
on, the answer to that question becomes much more obvious. The case was the
latest of many to shed light on the obstacles South Korea faces in handling
such a large military as the country continues its ongoing war with the
neighboring North Korea. During their two years of service, many soldiers fall
victim to bullying and a slew of mental health problems. Last year a private
was killed after being beaten to death, two Special Forces soldiers died after
collapsing during training and several solder suicides have been reported. This
got me wondering if maybe the soldier’s actions, although rather extreme, were
not his fault alone. With the recently spotlight on South Korea’s military, it
seems they are going to have to crack down on the conscription system to ensure
men selected are physically AND mentally fit to take part in such pressure
circumstances and look further into not only those bullied but those doing the
bullying as well.
12:12 a.m.
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