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Korea Herald
10-06-2025
- Korea Herald
Soldier leaves gun inside rental car; found by civilian days later
The South Korean military said Tuesday it is investigating a case in which a newly enlisted soldier left his gun inside a civilian rental car earlier this month. The soldier, dispatched to a unit in the southeastern region, was being escorted by a non-commissioned officer via the rented car Thursday. He exited the car without taking the K2 rifle, a standard-issue weapon for the military. Neither the soldier nor the accompanying officer realized the weapon had been left behind. The gun was discovered three days later by another renter, who reported to police that a rifle was inside the rental car. The soldier's army unit has since recovered the gun from the rental car business. The military unit had reportedly failed to acknowledge the absence of the weapon until it was brought to police attention, and the incident sparked criticism over possible careless gun management on the military's part. "Not being able to realize that a gun is missing for three days is a matter of military discipline," said Rep. Choo Mi-ae of the parliamentary National Defense Committee on the case. Crimes committed by those in the military are subject to the Military Criminal Act. Under Article 74 of the act, a person responsible for losing military supplies, including firearms, ammunition and explosives, can be punished by a maximum of 5 years in prison or a fine of 3 million won ($2,200).
Korea Herald
11-02-2025
- Politics
- Korea Herald
N. Korea sends 200 long-range artillery units to Russia for military tech transfer: Seoul
South Korea's Defense Ministry reported Tuesday that North Korea has continued supplying military aid to Russia since last year, including 200 units of long-range artillery, likely in exchange for Moscow's support in developing intercontinental ballistic missiles and nuclear submarines. In its report submitted to the National Assembly's National Defense Committee on Tuesday, the ministry stated, "North Korea has continued supplying weapons, ammunition, and other military support to Russia following its troop deployment to the war in Ukraine.' The Defense Ministry estimated that North Korea has provided Russia with over 11,000 troops, and a significant amount of ammunition, with the possibility of further reinforcements in the future. This is an increase from a previous assessment in November last year, when National Security Advisor Shin Won-sik first mentioned an estimated 160 long-range artillery units formed part of North Korea's arms supply to Russia. The ministry also warned that Pyongyang may be receiving advanced military technology from Moscow in return, stating, "This year marks the final phase of North Korea's five-year defense plan. With Russian support, Pyongyang is expected to enhance its nuclear and missile capabilities while modernizing its conventional forces." "We are closely monitoring the potential transfer of critical military technology, including ICBM reentry technology and nuclear submarine development," it added. The report also noted North Korea's lack of response to recent favorable remarks by former US President Donald Trump about its leader, Kim Jong-un, while instead continuing missile launches and showcasing Kim's official visits to nuclear facilities. 'Under its 'strongest countermeasure strategy' against the US, North Korea has engaged in rhetorical provocations and military demonstrations," the report read. 'This suggests an effort to create a favorable environment for potential US-North Korea talks." The ministry added that the South Korean military, in close coordination with the US, plans to closely monitor North Korea's reconnaissance satellite launch and a possible seventh nuclear test.
