Personal information including affiliation, name, and birthplace revealed… netizens demand severe punishment
The identities of three men who shot hundreds of BB gun pellets at a pet dog, leading to its death in Geoje, Gyeongsangnam-do, are spreading rapidly online.
This incident has been labeled "malicious animal cruelty" among netizens, and various personal information such as their names and affiliations are circulating.
As of the 22nd, numerous online communities have shared the names, birth dates, schools, photographs, and even military service unit information of the perpetrators.
They are accused of firing a BB gun at four dogs that were tied up in the yard of a restaurant in Ilwon-myeon, Geoje, around 1 AM on the 8th. As a result of the incident, one dog was killed, and the other three suffered severe injuries, including eye damage.
The incident immediately incited public outrage, and various communities on social media have posted articles specifying their real names, along with petitions and complaints demanding that the Marine Corps members involved in the animal abuse be severely punished.
"Rascals without a sense of guilt"… the victim is furious over absurd excuses
One informant stated, "Active Marine OOO was born in 1998, is a graduate of OO Middle School, and is currently known to be working as a hotelier," adding that "his brother is currently enrolled in the Physical Education Department of OO University after attending OO Elementary and OO Middle School." The informant also claimed, "They have been known as 'rascals' in the Busan area and show no remorse even after the crime."
Another netizen listed the real names of the three men and sparked public sentiment further by revealing the military units of the two known active-duty soldiers. Reactions to related posts include comments like "They probably committed such cruel acts against civilians as well" and "They should be isolated from society."
The dog owner, who is a victim of the incident, relayed the offenders' excuses during an interview with the Korea Animal Rescue Welfare Association.
The owner said, "At first, they claimed, 'The dog bit us,' but later changed their story to 'It was just a prank' and 'We were drunk.'" However, it was reportedly stated by the pension owner where the perpetrators stayed that “they only had four small cans of beer.”
The owner expressed anger, saying, "In the end, I heard them say they were curious about the dog's reaction," adding, "It was an explanation that is hard to believe to be normal thinking."
Military transfer and civilian charges… police investigation intensifies
The police have transferred the case of the two active military personnel to their respective unit and have charged one civilian with violations of the Animal Protection Act, trespassing, and property damage. Thus far, investigations are being conducted separately under a dual investigative system involving the military and civilians.
A police official stated, "We are closely investigating the specific specifications and purchase routes of the BB gun, as well as the circumstances before and after the crime," saying, "We will work with military investigative agencies to ensure a fair punishment is carried out."
Meanwhile, among netizens, the perception that this incident has transcended simple animal abuse and is spreading as a social issue is growing. Many citizens are urging that "the heinous acts committed as active-duty Marines must be dealt with severely" and are calling for stricter punishments.
Image source: instagram 'beaglerescuenetwork', Beagle Rescue Network
