‘Emperor Military Service Suspicion’ Transferred to Formal Investigation

[Asia Economy Reporter Yang Nak-gyu] A soldier A from the 3rd Brigade of the Air Force Air Defense Guided Missile Command is under formal investigation over allegations of having received "emperor military service."

On the 15th, an Air Force official stated, "It has been confirmed that the soldier took a leave of absence starting from the 11th for medical treatment," adding, "Following the deployment of two additional inspection officers to the 3rd Brigade headquarters where the soldier is stationed, a formal investigation by the military police has been initiated."

The petitioner who first raised the issue through a national petition on the 11th claimed that the unit gave special favors to a particular soldier due to the financial power of his parents and that this was being tolerated and aided. Specifically, the allegations included ▲ non-commissioned officers running errands such as laundry and beverage delivery for the soldier ▲ use of a single-person barracks ▲ unauthorized outings. The controversy grew after it was revealed that the soldier is the son of an executive at a domestic credit rating company.

The Air Force explained that the post was made on the evening of the same day after A had gone on leave. A is known to have taken leave for the purpose of treating a "skin disease." However, the medical certificate was not submitted in advance. The Air Force explained that there is no issue with regulations since the medical certificate must be submitted within 14 days after taking leave. According to regulations, the petition leave can be granted for up to 10 days.

On the morning of the same day, Air Force Chief of Staff Won In-chul presided over an emergency countermeasure meeting attended via video conference by commanders of all units at the battalion level and above.

At the meeting, Chief Won stated, "The issue of 'soldier's military service-related allegations' that occurred in the Air Force unit is a matter that must be taken very seriously, to the extent that public trust has rarely been so severely damaged," adding, "The commander-in-chief and commanders at all levels must deeply reflect on how such an incident could have occurred."

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