The Defense Ministry said Thursday it would abolish its controversial promotion squad of celebrity conscripts following a series of cases of indiscipline that have undermined troop morale and public trust.

The squad has been under criticism since a TV program showed several stars-turned-soldiers drinking, leaving their designated accommodation without notice, and visiting an adult massage parlor after performing in a provincial concert last month.

The incident reignited controversy over slack discipline among “entertainment soldiers” and privileges they have enjoyed during their service. The squad is designed to entertain draftees and promote the image of the armed services.

Following its 10-day audit into the 15-member squad, the ministry recommended eight celebrity soldiers be referred to the military disciplinary board for having contravened the military code of conduct.

They could be slapped with a reduction in their leave, demotion or, in the worst case, temporary detention. Among them are singer Se7en and Sanchu of the group Mighty Mouth.

On Aug. 1, squad members facing disciplinary action will be reassigned to field units belonging to the 1st ROK Army and 3rd ROK Army, whose bases are located along the eastern and western frontlines, respectively.

“The primary mission of the squad is to promote the image of the military and boost troop morale. But a series of unsavory cases have tarnished the image of our military and lowered morale,” Col. Wee Yong-sub, chief of the ministry’s public information division, told reporters.

“As the squad is to promote the military, public trust is of paramount importance. A variety of issues have led to a loss of public trust, which is why we decided to abolish it.”

Before the latest case last month, singer Rain was at the center of controversy in the 16-year-old squad. Earlier this year, the media raised suspicions that the pop star went on dates with actress Kim Tae-hee while out on preferentially extended leave. Rain was discharged last week.

Following Rain’s case, the ministry crafted special guidelines to strengthen discipline in the squad.

The ministry’s audit also found that eight of the squad members carried cellphones in violation of troop security regulations. The ministry reprimanded them, as well as five staff of the Defense Media Agency for neglecting their duty to properly oversee the squad.

Military television programs will replace those celebrity soldiers with internal personnel or bring in others from outside, officials said.

Currently, any able-bodied Korean man must serve in the Army for about 21 months, in the Navy for 23 months or in the Air Force for 24 months. Korea maintains a 639,000-strong military that serves mainly as deterrent against North Korea.


By Song Sang-ho
(sshluck@heraldcorp.com)