While a military officer was found dead in an apparent gunshot incident at an off-base accommodation near a Marine Corps unit in Pohang, North Gyeongsang Province, circumstances have emerged indicating that the officer took a K1-series submachine gun and multiple live rounds outside the base for at least over 60 hours.

The unit where the incident occurred is an amphibious warfare specialist unit, and the Marine Corps believes that the late Sergeant A took the K1-series submachine gun and ammunition from the base and brought them directly to the accommodation.

Sergeant A reportedly served as an armorer within the unit, responsible for managing K1 rifles and ammunition.

However, it was found that the unit failed to recognize this unauthorized removal for a considerable period.

In its initial investigation, the military authorities found that Sergeant A left the base after finishing work around 3:00 PM on July 31 and had no entry or exit records over the weekend. This means the firearm and live ammunition were leaked outside for at least over 60 hours until the unit discovered the situation yesterday morning.

The unit's firearm and ammunition depots are managed with a dual-locking system requiring two keys, and military authorities are investigating how the removal of the firearm and ammunition was even possible.

The incident previously took place at around 10:00 AM yesterday at an off-base officers' accommodation near a unit belonging to the 1st Marine Division in Pohang.

As Sergeant A failed to appear even after the start of daily duties, fellow unit members visited the accommodation and reportedly discovered the deceased Sergeant A during this process.

A K1-series submachine gun, one spent cartridge case, and several unused live rounds were found together at the scene.

A Marine Corps official explained, "The exact circumstances of the incident are currently being investigated by the military and police."

Reported by Kim Jiuk | Video by Ahn Jun-hyeok | Graphics by Lee Jung-ju | Produced by SBS Digital News