Park Jin-hee, 56th Division Commander, Under Fire for Personal Use of Milit

[동아]

[Exclusive] Colonel Chae Investigation Pressure Allegations: 56th Division Commander Park Jin-hee Caught Using Military Vehicle for Personal Use

Reporter: Park Se-jun

Date: October 18, 2024, 09:32

Park Jin-hee, a major general in the Republic of Korea Army and commander of the 56th Infantry Division — who was previously reported to have made dozens of phone calls with key figures at the presidential office and the Ministry of National Defense during the controversial Chae Sang-byeong investigation — is now under scrutiny again. This time, he is suspected of using an official military vehicle for personal purposes, raising concerns about discipline within the 56th Division and triggering public criticism.

According to Seoul Ilbo, General Park used an official military vehicle around 6 a.m. one day in September to go to a swimming pool in Eunpyeong-gu, Seoul, accompanied by his aide-de-camp and military driver — all for personal reasons.

When approached by reporters at around 5:45 a.m. on October 8 in front of the swimming pool about the possible misuse, Park responded, “There’s no issue according to regulations. Commanders have no distinction between public and private matters. Ask the Ministry of National Defense,” and quickly left the scene. One official from the 56th Division reportedly tried to physically block the reporters’ car, clinging to the passenger door — which Seoul Ilbo claimed constitutes obstruction of work and interference with journalistic activities, expressing strong protest.

According to the Ministry of National Defense Logistics Office, official vehicles are not permitted to be used for private purposes outside of working hours.

Further controversy surrounds General Park's actions after the pool visit: around 7:20 a.m., he allegedly entered the 56th Division base without stopping at the main gate checkpoint, potentially violating military guard inspection protocols. Witnesses — including journalists and local residents — questioned, "What if an armed enemy or infiltrator had hijacked that military vehicle?" criticizing the lack of security at the checkpoint.

A member of the National Assembly’s Defense Committee and former Ministry of Defense official stated, “Back when I was in the Ministry of Defense, it was clearly against the rules to use official vehicles outside working hours.”

Park, a graduate of the Korea Military Academy, served as chief secretary to former Defense Minister Lee Jong-sup. He was previously implicated in the Chae Sang-byeong death investigation scandal, with reports confirm‎ing he made numerous calls to various branches of the military, including the Marine Corps, during the controversial period. Following that incident, Park was promoted from brigadier general to major general and assigned as commander of the 56th Infantry Division.

His recent unauthorized use of a military vehicle, as well as his failure to stop for security checks, are expected to further fuel public outrage — especially in light of his past involvement in the Chae case.

This report is also available on Seoul Ilbo's YouTube live broadcast starting at 10 a.m. today.

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[단독] 채상병 수사 외압 의혹 박진희 56사단장 관용차 개인적 사용 물의 - https://www.seoulilbo.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=705465

#56th Division Commander personally uses military vehicle multiple times in the early morning

#While tensions rise on the Korean Peninsula, capital region division commander rides military vehicle to swimming pool with driver and aide

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