"Sibling Shot in the Head at Golf Course" Appears on National Petition

On the 7th, a national petition was posted on the Blue House National Petition Board calling for a thorough investigation and measures to prevent recurrence regarding the incident in which a man in his 20s working as a caddie at a golf course in Damyang, Jeonnam, was shot in the head. Photo by Blue House National Petition Board

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Seulgi Kim] A national petition demanding a thorough investigation and measures to prevent recurrence has been posted regarding an incident in which a man in his 20s working as a caddie at a golf course in Damyang, Jeollanam-do, was shot in the head.

On the 7th, a petition titled "My younger sibling was shot in the head at a golf course in Damyang. We urge a strong investigation and measures to prevent recurrence." was posted on the Blue House National Petition Board. As of 1 p.m. on the 8th, more than 2,000 people have agreed to the petition.

The petitioner, who introduced themselves as a family member of the victim, explained, "On Thursday, April 23, 2020, around 4:30 p.m., my younger sibling, who was working as a caddie at a golf course in Damyang, was waiting at the second shot point of the 7th hole in the back nine when they were hit in the head by an object flying from somewhere, causing bleeding and collapse." They added, "Fortunately, my sibling was conscious and, with the help of fellow caddies, informed the master in charge of the caddies about the accident and sought help."

The petitioner claimed, "At the time, my sibling’s hat was pierced and soaked with a large amount of blood, but the golf course manager checked the wound and warned my sibling, who was bleeding, 'If you go to the hospital, never say that you were injured at the golf course.'"

A golf course in Damyang-gun, Jeollanam-do, where the accident occurred. Photo by Yonhap News

The petitioner expressed outrage, saying, "Only after surgery did my sibling learn that the object lodged in their head was a bullet used by the military. It is utterly shocking to think that a civilian could be shot at a golf course, a place that should be safe, and right in the center of the crown of the head."

They continued, "My sibling’s friend reported the incident to the police on their behalf, and with the police’s help, my sibling was transferred to a small hospital again," adding, "The military gave us a paper outlining compensation procedures less than a day after the accident occurred."

The petitioner said, "We are now receiving treatment with support from the Army Headquarters, but thinking about the difficulties that someone else might face if the same situation happens again, we cannot remain silent," and appealed, "What I want is a clear fact-finding, punishment of the responsible parties, and preventive measures so that victims like us never occur again."

They added, "I sincerely petition for a strong response to ensure that such incidents do not happen again."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.