North Korean soldiers involved in the exchange of fire with South Korean troops last month in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) were punished by having “political” privileges taken away from them for three years, Daily NK has learned. 

Following a 20-day investigation led by the Supreme Command’s investigation team, members of the 5th Corps company involved in the incident are not allowed to become communist party members nor receive university recommendations or military honors for the next three years, according to a Daily NK military source in the country on June 1. 

The Supreme Command investigation team ordered the 18-year-old lance corporal responsible for the incident to be suspended from work on the front lines for six months. He was ordered to carry out unspecified military duties along with farm work over that period of time. 

Military officers who oversaw the soldier all received severe warnings from the 5th Corps Political Department, while other soldiers in the company will also undergo “intense criticism sessions” by the end of the year. The investigation did not lead to the firing of the 5th Corps commander, according to the source. 

“[This shows] the military did not consider the [impact of the incident] on inter-Korean relations,” the source said. “The punishment was imposed on the grounds that the soldiers failed to follow military regulations.” 

The Supreme Command reportedly began its investigation of the 5th Corps on May 6. The investigation lasted until May 26. The source said that 5th Corps commanders did not take part in the investigation, which was conducted “confidentially.” 

The source also noted that the Supreme Command investigation team began an investigation into the 2nd Corps from May 27 following the conclusion of its probe into the 5th Corps.

*Translated by Jason Bartlett

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