Parents say harassment led to soldier's suicide

SEOUL, June 13 (Yonhap) -- The parents of an Army soldier who committed suicide while on duty late last month said Monday that their son took his own life after enduring a culture of harassment and taunts from senior soldiers.
The 24-year-old private, identified only by his surname Choi, shot himself dead with his assault rifle outside a military post of a frontline unit on May 30. A suicide note was found on the scene, indicating he had been under severe pressure during his service.
An autopsy found four bruises on the right leg of the soldier's body, according to his parents, who filed a petition with the National Human Rights Commission.
The father of Choi said the son had complained of being beaten by senior soldiers.
"When my son telephoned me, he told me that senior soldiers kicked him in the shin," the father said.
The father accused the military of trying to cover up the case by alleging that the son could have been bruised because he was hit by a ball or in a fall.
The suicide note read, "My fatigue doesn't go away despite much sleep. I have become more and more forgetful. I realize I am such a fool."
Army officials said they were still investigating to determine the exact cause of Choi's suicide and whether he had been harassed prior to his death.
"So far, investigators have not confirmed whether there were acts of bullying, beatings or harassment, although there was some inappropriate words," an Army official said.
All able-bodied South Korean men are required to serve at least two years in the military, which faces North Korea across the heavily fortified border.