Marine Division 1 Commander Expresses Resignation, Saying "I Will Take Full Responsibility" for the Death of Corporal Chae Su-geun

Death in the line of duty during search for missing persons in heavy rain
Sergeant First Class Im Seong-geun, Marine 1st Division Commander
Expressed "deep responsibility" on the 28th of last month

Marine Corps 1st Division Commander Im Seong-geun has reportedly expressed his intention to resign, saying he "will take full responsibility" over the issue of Corporal Chae Su-geun, who died in the line of duty while searching for missing persons during heavy rain.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

According to military officials on the 1st, on the 28th of last month, Im Seong-geun, commander of the Marine Corps 1st Division, told Kim Gye-hwan, commander of the Marine Corps, regarding Corporal Chae’s death, "I deeply feel responsible" and "I will take full responsibility as the division commander." This is interpreted as his intention to take responsibility for the accident and step down. Commander Kim reportedly responded to Im’s statement by saying, "I understand what you mean."

The Marine Corps 1st Division Artillery Battalion was conducting a search mission for missing persons without life jackets in Naeseongcheon, Yecheon, Gyeongbuk, on the 19th, during which Corporal Chae was swept away by a strong current and died in the line of duty. The Marine Corps conducted an internal investigation into the accident until last week and plans to soon transfer the investigation of Corporal Chae’s death to the Gyeongbuk Police Agency, which has jurisdiction over the case. According to the Military Court Act revised last year, civilian investigative agencies are responsible for investigating military death cases.

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