Two Soldiers Awarded Extended Leave for Securing North Korean Defector

Two army soldiers have been granted a 29-night, 30-day reward vacation for their role in safely securing a North Korean civilian who crossed the Military Demarcation Line (MDL) in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). According to military sources on July 23, the Joint Chiefs of Staff announced that ten soldiers involved in the operation, which took place on July 3, would receive commendations from the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Among them, two soldiers, who are serving their mandatory military duty, will enjoy the longest vacation period allowed under military regulations. Special achievements, such as assisting defectors, can qualify soldiers for a reward vacation of up to one month. Additionally, some of the soldiers involved in this operation may also receive commendations from the Minister of National Defense and the Chief of Staff of the Army. Earlier, the military reported that at around 3 AM on July 3, they successfully secured a North Korean male civilian who had crossed the MDL in the central-western front of the DMZ. The individual reportedly remained still during the day and moved through the underbrush of a river at night. The military tracked him using thermal imaging equipment and dispatched an operational team. When the team leader, a sergeant, identified himself as a South Korean soldier and assured the man of his safety, the civilian reportedly exited the DMZ without resistance. The determination of his defector status will be clarified through investigations by relevant authorities.