Military Decides to Pay 25 Million Won in Damages to Family of Private Yoon Seungju, Who Died from Assault

Only Seven Characters: "Died in the Line of Duty" in the Statement
Family to Request Retrial
"We Seek a Proper Explanation and Appropriate Compensation"

The military has decided to pay 25 million won in compensation to the family of the late Private Yoon Seungju, who died in 2014 as a result of assault and abuse by senior soldiers.

According to the national compensation decision disclosed by the bereaved family on October 12, the Army 5th Corps District Compensation Review Committee determined on September 29 that the state was liable for compensation in response to the family's claim, and decided to pay a total of 25 million won in damages to Private Yoon's parents and siblings. This decision was specified in the national compensation statement.

Previously, Private Yoon, who served in an artillery battalion under the Army 28th Division in Yeoncheon, Gyeonggi Province, endured beatings and abuse by senior soldiers for about four months from the end of 2013, and died in April 2014.

The main perpetrator, a senior soldier surnamed Lee, was found guilty of murder by the Supreme Court and sentenced to 40 years in prison, while the other accomplices received sentences of five to seven years each for manslaughter.

This decision follows the amendment to the National Compensation Act, which passed the National Assembly at the end of last year, providing a legal basis for the families of soldiers or police officers who died in the line of duty to claim damages from the state.

The scene of Private Yoon's death being verified on site

However, the family has decided to request a retrial. They pointed out that the national compensation statement sent by the military to the family described the incident only as "died in the line of duty," without any apology or expression of remorse. In a statement, the family explained, "We will apply for a retrial to receive a proper explanation for the decision and appropriate compensation."

The Army stated, "The compensation will be paid by the Ministry of National Defense," and added, "If the family requests a retrial, the Ministry of National Defense will handle the related procedures."