[CARD NEWS: Opinion] After four months in the military, my son fell into coma.
1) The parents of Ahn Jun-hyeon could have never imagined that their son would be turned into a vegetable when he said his farewell before joining the military. As of now, however, he cannot even recognize his parents.
2) Why did this misfortune befall Ahn? The tragedy began in 2010.
3) In July of 2010, Ahn enlisted in the Special Forces. Four months later, Ahn collapsed during a drill exercise.
4) After resuscitation attempts failed, he was immediately moved to the Medical Corps. But he couldn’t recover consciousness.
5) Ahn was supposed to be immediately transferred to a private hospital. However, according to his family, the transferring process was delayed due to the military’s complex internal procedures.
6) Even after Ahn was transferred to a hospital, he was just left on a bed instead of treated right away.
7) Had he received prompt medical treatment, he may have been able to recover. However, while Ahn was left neglected, the golden hour was over. The medical care was useless, and he remained in a coma.
8) “The military police closed the investigation of the case without noting the details or consequences.” - Ahn’s father
Ahn’s family questioned the military police’s investigation of their son’s case, criticizing their irresponsible attitude.
9) The day before the accident, Ahn was allegedly punished all night long just because he used his cell phone.
10) “An official from the military talked back to me, saying, “Didn’t he already have a chronic disease?” - Ahn’s mother
The military authorities tried to shift blame onto Ahn’s physical condition.
11) “They said my son collapsed forward, but what they said does not explain the wound on the back of his head.” - Ahn’s mother
The exact cause of the injury to the back of his head is still unknown.
12) Seven years have past since the investigation into Ahn’s case was closed. Ahn’s family, however, are still dealing with the tragedy. They are demanding a thorough reexamination of the case.
13) The family wants answers as to why their son is still in a coma, rather than financial compensation.
14) The young man and his family suffered terribly while serving their nation. The full scale of Ahn’s tragedy must be revealed.
Directed by Lee Jeong-bong
Constructed by Kim Min-pyo
Designed by Bae Seok-yeong
Translated by Son Min-young
Edited by James Constant
with the Korea JoongAng Daily
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