Mother of Fallen Marine Corps Member Urges Truth Investigation Ahead of 1st Anniversary

Letter from Mother Ha to Ministry of National Defense Press Corps
"Reveal the truth before the first anniversary so I can mourn my son"

Ha, the mother of a Marine who died in the line of duty during the search operation for missing persons caused by last summer's heavy rain disaster, urged a swift investigation into the cause of the accident and the restoration of honor for Park Jeong-hoon, former head of the Marine Corps investigation unit (Colonel). Ha conveyed this message in a letter she wrote on the 11th, which was sent to the Ministry of National Defense press corps through the Marine Corps Headquarters on the 12th.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

In her letter, Ha said, "I still live like a crazy person, feeling as if my son is breathing somewhere in this world, and we are not living each day with all our strength but merely enduring." She added, "I was angry, but I remained silent because I believed the investigation would proceed well," and pointed out, "However, it still seems to be at a standstill."

Regarding the investigation, she insisted, “It must be transparently revealed as soon as possible why the decision was made to deploy soldiers into the river despite the fast current, why life jackets were not provided when soldiers were sent into the river, why they were made to wear boots, and whether my son, who has atopic dermatitis and cannot swim, was assessed for swimming ability.” She continued, "Only then will I have something to say to my son when I visit the National Cemetery and hear him say ‘You did well.’ I think I will not feel sorry for my son once the cause is clarified."

She emphasized, "My son was sacrificed due to the negligent actions of military commanders, and I live in pain and suffering," and stated, "Commanders who are implicated should bear appropriate responsibility."

Ha appealed to Minister of National Defense Shin Won-sik and related authorities, saying, "I earnestly ask you to restore the honor of former Marine Corps investigation unit head Park Jeong-hoon, who is suffering while investigating my son's death, and to show leniency boldly as a soldier." She also urged the prompt establishment of measures to prevent recurrence so that tragic accidents do not happen again during the rainy season.

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