A South Korean army officer who repeatedly left his post without permission for reasons including feeding his lizard has lost a court challenge against his suspension.
The Busan District Court said on Thursday that it had dismissed the officer's lawsuit against his unit commander, which sought to overturn a two-month suspension for breaching military duties, including leaving his post without permission.
Gate records showed he drove off the base 64 times during weekday working hours over 10 months without requesting leave or reporting his departures to a commander.
A guard commander testified that the officer frequently gave reasons such as "I need to feed my lizard" and "I need to wash my car".
The court also found that between October 2023 and November 2024 he delayed approval of 698 requests for outings, overnight passes and leave from 26 soldiers. The delays prevented them from obtaining military-supported train tickets, which forced them to pay their own transport costs.
The court heard that the officer also mistreated soldiers under his command. When soldiers asked him to approve leave, he responded: "Is this a community service centre? Get lost."
He verbally abused a soldier who requested reassignment because of back pain, suggesting that he seek discharge for mental illness.
The officer did not hold a one-on-one interview with a private who had joined the unit until 50 days had passed, and when he met the private he asked: "Who are you?"
The court said the officer's conduct could have led to a much harsher penalty.
"Under army disciplinary regulations, the severity of the misconduct could warrant dismissal, while multiple violations could justify expulsion (pamyeon)," it said.
Both types of breach end military service, but the latter is harsher and also reduces retirement benefits, the Korea Herald reported.
The court said the two-month suspension was well below the maximum level of discipline the regulations allowed.
The court said the public interest in military discipline outweighed the officer's personal disadvantage from the suspension.
"The public interest, such as disciplinary action by the military organisation, maintaining order, and restoring public trust in the military, cannot be said to be smaller than the personal disadvantages that the plaintiff will suffer," it said.
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