Pyongyang, October 1 (KCNA) -- Harsh treatment of subordinates is getting pronounced in the south Korean army, according to KBS of south Korea on Thursday.

For example, an officer shaved the face of a soldier with a kitchen knife and forced subordinates to eat cigarettes or garlic, etc., sparking uproar.

The number of these officers increased to 71 last year from 64 in 2009.

35 similar cases were reported this year, counting only those disclosed until June.

The number of suicide is on the steady increase in the puppet army due to violence and assault and other harsh treatment.