Stop conscript suicides

A soldier’s suicide last week caught the attention of many mothers and fathers who have sons doing mandatory military service.

A private first class from the 22nd Infantry Division reportedly jumped to his death during a visit to the Armed Forces Capital Hospital after leaving a suicide note.

In the note, he said that every moment of his life was an agony and apologized to his mother for his actions. Nothing will make up for the pain that his family will have to endure for the rest of their lives.

It seems clear that the suicide was a result of chronic human rights violations. The military police found a note detailing alleged verbal and physical abuse by his seniors.

The military should conduct a thorough investigation and severely punish anyone responsible for such abuse.

The military should also make sure to find out whether there are other victims of abuse and provide help before it is too late.

This is not the first time the 22nd Infantry Division has been the focus of tragedy. In 2014, a shooting rampage by a sergeant at the base in Goseong, Gangwon Province, left five dead and seven injured.

Last month, the Moon Jae-in administration announced a plan to raise military conscripts’ salaries, which would almost double their current pay of around 216,000 won. But a pay raise is not enough to ensure draftees’ well-being. It is more important to protect them from inhuman treatment so they can be discharged in good health and spirits.

New Defense Minister Song Young-moo took office vowing to reform the culture of the military. He should make it a priority to root out all kinds of abuse and promote conscripts’ welfare.

No parent should have to lose a child because of bullying and negligence in the military.