Ministry of National Defense Republic of Korea

A fact-finding commission on all fatal military accidents that have occurred since November 1948 will be launched on September 14. On June 27th, the Ministry of National Defense announced the legislation of an 'enforcement decree of the special law on fact-finding of the fatal military accidents.' Prior to this, the ‘special law on fact-finding on the fatal military accidents,’ a law that will be in force for only three years, was passed in the National Assembly plenary session on February 28.

The commission will consist of about 80 members and secretary generals of minister-level chairpersons and high-ranking officials, according to the ministry. The commission is a presidential organization, attended by civilian investigators and persons in charge from the relevant agencies, such as the Ministry of National Defense, the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, the Ministry of Strategy and Finance, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs, Prosecutors' Office, and Police Agency. 

The commission will have three affiliated organizations: the management support division, the investigation coordination division, and investigation part 1 to part 3. The commission should decide whether to initiate investigations within 90 days from the day of reception of a petition for fact-finding related to a fatal military accident.

“Any groups or individuals who have an opinion can submit it to the ministry by August 6. If you have any questions about the amendment, you can contact the ministry's ready group for the establishment of a truth-finding commission on fatal military accidents,” a ministry spokesperson said.

By Su-Yeol, Maeng <guns13@dema.mil.kr >
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