NHRCK Recommends Marine Corps X Division to Establish Measures for Protecting Soldiers at Risk of Suicide
— Commission Issues Formal Opinion Urging Life-Respecting Measures for High-Risk Personnel —
□ On January 7, 2026, the National Human Rights Commission of Korea (Chairperson: Ahn Chang-ho; hereinafter "NHRCK") issued a formal opinion to the Commanding General of the X Division of the Marine Corps (hereinafter "the Respondent Unit"), recommending the establishment of comprehensive measures to ensure the safety of soldiers at risk of suicide. The Commission urged the Respondent to:
1. Conduct suicide prevention and life-respecting education for all unit commanders.
2. Ensure strict adherence to the "Marine Corps Regulations on Personnel Status Management," preventing any omissions in mandatory actions such as interviews for high-risk individuals.
3. Exercise meticulous care and sensitivity when communicating disciplinary or unverified information to the families of at-risk soldiers.
□ The Complainant, a family member of the deceased victim, filed a complaint with the NHRCK alleging a violation of the right to life. The Complainant stated that the victim developed psychological distress during service, but the company commander and other officials failed to take appropriate protective measures, ultimately leading to the victim's death by suicide while on leave.
□ The Respondent Unit stated that after identifying the victim's unusual behavior, the company commander interviewed the victim and upgraded their status to the "Attention" category, temporarily excluding them from duties. However, the Respondent admitted that subsequent essential follow-up actions, including regular monitoring interviews, the appointment of a dedicated mentor, and timely notification to the family, were insufficient.
□ The Committee on Human Rights in Military of the NHRCK dismissed the specific allegation of a direct human rights violation leading to the death, as no evidence of physical assault or systemic bullying was found.
□ However, the Commission determined that the unit's failure to follow mandatory suicide prevention protocols constituted a serious institutional lapse. Therefore, the NHRCK issued a formal opinion that the Respondent Unit overhaul its management of at-risk personnel, noting that information sharing with families and the manner of communicating disciplinary actions are critical factors that directly impact the life and psychological stability of service members and their families.
