Army officer suspended for leaving post 64 times in 10 months to 'feed his lizard'

A South Korean Army officer has lost his legal challenge to overturn a two-month suspension after leaving his military base without permission on 64 separate occasions over a 10-month period. Court and gate records revealed that the officer routinely drove off the base during working hours without requesting leave or notifying a commander. When questioned, he offered frivolous excuses such as needing to feed his pet lizard or wash his car.

In addition to unauthorized departures, the officer was disciplined for severe professional misconduct involving his subordinates. Between October 2023 and November 2024, he intentionally delayed the approval of 698 leave and pass requests submitted by 26 soldiers. These deliberate delays caused the soldiers to miss out on military-supported train tickets, forcing them to pay out of pocket for their transportation costs.

The officer also subjected soldiers to verbal abuse, telling them to "get lost" when asked to approve leave and mocking a soldier seeking reassignment due to back pain by suggesting he seek a mental illness discharge. The Busan District Court dismissed the officer's lawsuit, noting that his multiple offenses could have legally justified harsher punishments, such as formal dismissal or expulsion, which would have impacted his retirement benefits.

Edited using generative AI tools. 
Source: https://www.koreaherald.com/article/10904113

Comprehension

How many times did the Army officer leave his military base without permission over the 10-month period?
What bizarre reasons did the officer give to the guard commander for leaving the base?
How many leave and pass requests submitted by soldiers did the officer intentionally delay?
What negative financial consequence did the soldiers face because of the delayed leave approvals?
Why did the Busan District Court ultimately dismiss the officer's lawsuit against his unit commander?

Discussion

Do you think a two-month suspension is a fair punishment for this officer's actions? Why or why not?
Why is it important for people in military or leadership roles to follow the rules?
How would you feel if your boss or supervisor delayed your time-off requests?
Have you ever had a pet, like a lizard, that required special care? What kind of pet was it?
Why do you think the officer treated his soldiers poorly instead of helping them?
Is it ever okay to leave your job or workplace without permission? Explain your answer.
How can leaders build trust and respect with the people working under them?
What is the most important quality of a good leader or manager?

Vocabulary

Suspension – Temporary removal from a job or position as a punishment
Unauthorized – Done without official permission or approval
Dismiss – To officially reject a legal case or lawsuit
Frivolous – Not having any serious purpose or value; silly
Deliberate – Done intentionally and consciously rather than by accident
Reassignment – Moving an employee or soldier to a different job, role, or location
Sanction – A threatened penalty for disobeying a law or rule
Entail – To involve something as a necessary part or consequence