Seoul: Seven military officers have been disciplined over lax management of firearms and ammunition since July last year, data showed Tuesday, amid continued gun-related incidents in the military.
According to Yonhap News Agency, seven officers from the Army, the Air Force, and the Navy received disciplinary actions over firearm-related violations in the second half of last year and the first half of 2026. The data was submitted to Rep. Kim Byung-joo of the Democratic Party. Among those disciplined, two military officers faced severe consequences. A Navy officer received a one-month suspension, while an Air Force officer was demoted by one rank during the specified period.
The disciplinary measures follow the defense ministry's extensive inspection of all branches of the military, initiated in October last year. This inspection was a response to a series of firearm-related deaths and incidents involving missing ammunition. Last month, a noncommissioned Marine officer was found dead with a gunshot wound at an off-base housing unit in Pohang, approximately 270 kilometers southeast of Seoul.
Rep. Kim emphasized the need for stronger oversight, stating, "Given heightened public concerns over firearm-related incidents in the military, the armed forces should strengthen the routine inspection of firearms and related reporting systems."
Meanwhile, the defense ministry plans to commence its regular two-month inspection of firearms and ammunition on Tuesday. During this biannual inspection, the ministry will evaluate the management of guns and ammunition across approximately 300 military units.