South Korean Army sergeant referred to prosecution for soldier abuse

A South Korean Army sergeant has been referred to the military prosecution on charges of abuse of authority and assault resulting in injury. The investigation follows an incident in March at the 15th Infantry Division in Cheorwon, where the sergeant allegedly forced a corporal to perform repetitive push-ups.

According to military authorities, the sergeant reportedly manipulated the soldier's clothing to force him through nearly 100 push-ups, despite the soldier's repeated pleas to stop due to extreme physical exhaustion. As a result, the soldier was diagnosed with rhabdomyolysis, a serious condition where muscle tissue breaks down and enters the bloodstream. The soldier's creatine kinase levels reached 77,380, hundreds of times the normal range, and he required two weeks of hospitalization.

The victim's family has submitted a petition signed by approximately 4,500 people to the Ministry of National Defense, demanding strict punishment. The incident has drawn attention from the presidency, with concerns raised regarding outdated and irrational military disciplinary practices.