South Korean soldier who killed 5 comrades captured after tense standoff

SEOUL, June 23 (UPI) -- A South Korean soldier suspected of killing five members of his military unit has been captured after a tense standoff with the military, South Korea's defense ministry said Monday.

The 22-year-old sergeant identified as "Lim" was taken into custody near the border town of Goseong, approximately 136 miles northeast of Seoul, after he attempted to kill himself.

Lim is suspected of killing five colleagues and injuring seven others on Saturday. After finishing his six-hour shift as a border guard, he allegedly detonated a grenade and opened fire on his eastern front unit.

He was spotted Sunday by the military, but evaded capture when he shot and wounded a platoon leader. On Monday, the military brought his family to the scene to help negotiate his surrender.

Lim, before shooting himself, told his family, "I have already committed such a tremendous incident, and I would face capital punishment if I go out. I can't surrender."

After the failed suicide attempt, Lim was taken by helicopter to a hospital in Gangneung, Gangwon Province.

It is unclear what motivated Lim to assault his unit, but an Army headquarters officer said, "It appears that what he did was not impulsive but premeditated," adding that "His comrades said he was quiet and somewhat timid and has not been very much associated with them."

Lim took a personality test in March 2013 that categorized him as a "Grade-A" soldier who required unspecified special attention and was not fit for front-line service. He was re-tested nine months later and re-categorized as a "Grade-B" soldier who still required special attention but could serve on the front line.

In South Korea, military service is compulsory for able-bodied males.