A South Korean reservist has gone on a firing spree at a military training camp in Seoul, leaving three wounded and two dead, including humself, reports said.
After firing on fellow trainees, the reservist – surnamed Choe – shot himself, according to The World Post.
One of the victims was declared dead while heading to the hospital.
Choe, 24, reportedly opened fire while having training Wednesday. Reports said he fired seven rounds using a K-2 rifle. This happened after a round of shooting training.
Some reports suggest that Choe was grouped with soldiers needing special attention while on active service. He also reportedly received medication for depression. But this information has not been confirmed.
In South Korea, all physically fit men are required to undergo mandatory military service, or conscription, for two years due to tensions with North Korea. After the mandatory service, these men are required to be reservists for eight years, during which time they undergo various types of firearm training.
In 2014, another South Korean hurled a grenade and started shooting his colleagues that killed five and wounded seven. The investigation result disclosed that the he had been insulted by his fellow soldiers.
Recent shooting incidents have reportedly increased, raising concerns over the mental status of men in South Korea's armed forces and questioning continuing to make military service mandatory. The military has also bben criticized for loose discipline.
Of 600,000 South Korean soldiers, more than half are conscripts.
Human rights group Amnesty International has urged the South Korean government to stop imprisoning young men who object entering mandatory military service.
