South Korean manhunt for suspected killer soldier

SEOUL - South Korea has launched a manhunt for a soldier who fled his base after allegedly shooting dead a fellow serviceman.

The shooting brought back memories of a soldier who went on a rampage that left eight dead in June 2005 at a post near the border with North Korea.

South Korea's defence ministry said they suspect a 20-year old private named Lee of returning from late night guard duty and shooting an Army corporal and another soldier.

The corporal died but the other soldier is expected to survive.

"We do not know the exact cause of the incident," an official said by telephone.

Military service is compulsory in South Korea.

- REUTERS