Efforts have been sparked to overhaul the nation’s military following a deadly shooting spree at a general outpost this year and the death of a soldier who died from bullying.

The Defense Ministry announced the military reform measures on December 18 based on recommendations made by a special committee comprised of government, civilian and military figures. The committee will mainly focus on improving the military justice system and introducing a public advocate to monitor and investigate human rights violations in the military.

The shooting rampage that occurred on June 21 at a general outpost of the 22nd Infantry Division in Gangwon Province was a wakeup call, exposing problems in South Korea’s military culture. The incident left five soldiers dead and seven wounded.

A sergeant, only identified by his surname Lim, went on the shooting rampage shortly after returning from his guard duty. Lim, who was set to be discharged from the military in three months, fled the scene armed with his K-2 rifle and dozens of loaded shells. Residents living nearby the general outpost evacuated their homes in fear until Lim was arrested.

The nation was again shocked in July by another incident in the military that occurred in April but had been kept quiet for some three months. This time the news was more disturbing as it concerned the death of a soldier who died from being bullied.

An Army private first class, surnamed Yoon, was found to have died in April after being beaten repeatedly by his comrades. The act of violence itself was shocking enough but what was considered more serious was the military authorities’ mishandling of the case.

Other alarming news followed, including sexual harassment cases in the military and corruption in the procurement process.

The special committee on improving military culture is considered to be one step in addressing the crisis. Experts have stressed that 2015 should be the year the nation’s military is revamped.

1. The Sinking of the Sewol Ferry & Special Sewol Law

2. Dissolution of Unified Progressive Party

3. June 4 Local Elections & July 30 By-elections

4. President Park Geun-hye’s Summit Diplomacy

5. UN General Assembly Passes New Resolution on N. Korea’s Human Rights, UN Security Council Places It on Its Agenda

6. S. Korea Expands “Economic Territory”

7. S. Korea Sees Trade Volume Surpass $1 Tln in Record Time

8. Shooting Rampage at GOP and Military Reform

9. Pope Francis Visits South Korea

10. Sochi Winter Olympics & The Incheon Asian Games