SKorea defense ministry awards $36,000 compensation to family of soldier abused to death

The family of Private Yoon, who died 12 years ago due to severe beatings and abuse by fellow soldiers, has been awarded 50 million won in compensation by South Korea's Ministry of National Defense. This decision follows a retrial by the Ministry's Special Compensation Deliberation Committee, which doubled the initial compensation amount of 25 million won.

The committee acknowledged that "special circumstances exist" warranting an increase in compensation beyond the standard guidelines of the State Compensation Act. The revised decision allocates 20 million won each to Private Yoon's parents and 5 million won each to his two older sisters. This marks a significant shift, as the committee explicitly recognized the state's responsibility, stating, "It is clear that the state violated its duty of protection towards the deceased, who was fulfilling his duty of national defense, leading to his death."

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Considering the family's 12 years of effort, even double the amount is absurd.

However, the family has expressed dissatisfaction with the 50 million won figure, deeming it insufficient given the 12 years of effort they have invested in seeking truth and justice. "Considering the family's 12 years of effort, even double the amount is absurd," stated Yoon's brother-in-law, Kim Jin-mo. He added that the family is considering filing a civil lawsuit again, especially since the special committee acknowledged the state's liability.

The Yoon Private case, which involved severe beatings and abuse by senior soldiers leading to his death in April 2014, sent shockwaves through South Korea. It became a catalyst for discussions that led to the establishment of the National Human Rights Commission's military human rights ombudsman. The family's prolonged struggle highlights the ongoing challenges in achieving accountability and adequate compensation for victims of military abuse.

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It is clear that the state violated its duty of protection towards the deceased, who was fulfilling his duty of national defense, leading to his death.