South Korean Soldier Suspended After Unauthorized Base Exits to Feed Pet Lizard
A South Korean soldier has been suspended for two months after leaving his military base 64 times without permission, citing reasons such as feeding his pet lizard.
According to a report by Khaosod Online, the Busan District Court has upheld a two-month suspension for a South Korean soldier who repeatedly violated military discipline. The soldier had filed a lawsuit against his superiors to challenge the disciplinary action, but the court dismissed his case.
Records indicate that over a 10-month period, the soldier used his private vehicle to leave the base 64 times during working hours without authorization. When questioned, he reportedly offered unusual excuses, including the need to feed a pet lizard or wash his car. Beyond these unauthorized absences, the soldier was found to have delayed the processing of 698 leave and travel requests for 26 subordinates between October 2023 and November 2024. This administrative negligence caused some soldiers to lose out on military-subsidized train tickets, forcing them to cover their own travel expenses. Furthermore, the soldier was accused of using abusive language toward subordinates and discouraging those with medical issues from seeking transfers.
For residents and travelers, this case highlights the strict internal disciplinary standards within the South Korean military. While this incident is isolated to a specific military base, it underscores the importance of administrative accountability. It remains to be confirmed if the soldier will face further internal military proceedings or if additional disciplinary measures will be taken regarding his treatment of subordinates.
