MOD Launches Own Probe Into Pfc. Huh’s Death

Presidential Truth Commission on Suspicious Deaths (PTC) disclosed the cover-up of Private First Class Huh Won-kun’s death (then, 21 of age) in 1984 as a suicide. In response, Ministry of Defense (MOD) will launch it own probe as of August 27, 2002. The MOD has established a special committee led by Army Brigadier Gen. Chong Soo-sung to take charge of the investigation. It has also appointed as advisers civilian experts like forensic specialists to secure the fairness of the probe.

The MOD spokesperson Hwang Ui-don said, “If it transpires that the Army has covered up the truth for 18 years as reported by the PTC, all personnel involved will be penalized based on the role each played.” So far, the military authorities such as 7th Division military police, 2nd Army Corps MP had investigated Huh’s death five times from 1984 to 1995. But every time, they concluded that it was a suicide.

Han Sung-dong, vice-chairperson of the Army’s investigating body said, “At that time, the Army authorities suspected of a homicide and, accordingly, questioned all the solders and officers involved directly or indirectly. But we could not find any clue. The authorities made the suicide conclusion based on facts such as that the bullets found in Huh’s body were all fired at a close range and that there was not sign of struggle. Also considered was what the military doctor who performed the autopsy opined.”

But, the PTC recently disclosed that Private Huh was shot to death by a noncommissioned officer who got drunk at an internal party. It also discovered that officers of the Company shot 2 more bullets to cover it up as a suicide.

Sang-Ho Yun ysh1005@donga.com