Ex-Marine Commander Gets 3 Years in Second Trial Over Soldier's Death

A South Korean military court has sentenced former Marine Corps Division Commander Im Sung-geun to three years in prison in a second trial, upholding the initial ruling for his involvement in the death of Private Chae Su-geun. The court found Im guilty of professional negligence causing death and violating military law.

The Seoul High Court's criminal division stated that Im neglected his duty of care, resulting in injuries and the death of soldiers. The court further criticized Im for evading responsibility during the investigation, stating he abandoned the minimal moral duty expected of a commander. The sentence remains the same as the first trial.

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The defendant neglected his duty of care, resulting in injuries and the death of the victims. He abandoned the minimal moral responsibility expected of a commander by evading responsibility during the investigation.

Other officers, including former 7th Marine Brigade Commander Park Sang-hyun and former 11th Battalion Commander Choi Jin-gyu, also had their sentences upheld. They received prison terms of 1 year and 6 months for negligence. Former 7th Battalion Commander Lee Yong-min and former Headquarters Company Commander Jang received suspended sentences of 2 years for 10 months and 8 months, respectively.

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There was a duty to control troops deployed in a dangerous area without basic safety equipment such as life vests, but this was neglected. As a result, Private Chae, who had only been enlisted for four months, died, making strict accountability unavoidable.

The court emphasized the duty to control troops without basic safety equipment like life vests in dangerous areas. The death of Private Chae, who had only been enlisted for four months, necessitates strict accountability. However, the court acknowledged the pressures of operating in a national disaster situation and the difficult field conditions that limited time for risk assessment and reconnaissance.

Regarding Im, the court noted that despite being the highest commander responsible for troop safety, he interfered with operational control and undermined the chain of command. His 34 years of service to the nation were considered a factor in determining the sentence.

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Despite being the highest commander responsible for the safety of the troops, he interfered with operational control and undermined the chain of command.