[The Hankyoreh] ‘Get up’: Drill instructor berated Korean soldier who collapsed during punishment and later died

A company leader implicated in the death of an Army trainee during a pack drill meant to punish soldiers for rules violations repeatedly told the fallen trainee to “get up” during the exercise, it has been learned.

According to a death certificate for the trainee and other medical records shared Wednesday by the Center for Military Human Rights Korea (CMHRK), the cause of death was multiple organ failure due to septic shock.

On Wednesday, the CMHRK explained that the trainee collapsed on May 23 after undergoing around 50 minutes of unlawful disciplinary measures that included running and doing push-ups in full military gear.

“If someone collapses, isn’t it common sense to ask if they’re OK?” 

‘Get up’: Drill instructor berated Korean soldier who collapsed during punishment and later died (hani.co.kr)