DHAKA: South Korea’s army chief offered to resign Tuesday over the death of a bullied soldier whose case shone a critical spotlight on the mistreatment of young conscripts.

Army Chief of Staff Kwon Oh-Seong offered to step down during a meeting with defence minister Han Min-Koo, a ministry spokesman said, reports The Straits Times.

It was not immediately clear if the resignation had been accepted.

Kwon expressed regret and apologised for the death of the 23-year-old private, saying he ‘feels responsible’, the spokesman told media.

‘I hope this kind of incident will never happen again,’ the army chief was quoted as saying.

BDST: 1753 HRS, AUG 05, 2014