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Military Problems: Can You Really Avoid Them?
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  • 등록 2021-10-27 21:11:41
  • 수정 2021-10-28 12:46:41
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 Since the Netflix drama ‘D.P’ has aired with the theme of “Soldiers Catching Deserters,” harsh acts that occur during military service are drawing attention again. Since the controversy continued, the Ministry of National Defense argued that the scenes depicted in ‘D.P’ are different from the current reality of the barracks. Some people may think that ‘D.P’ is exaggerated. However, the experience which makes humans grow also makes them feel trapped. Recently it was revealed that a soldier who was subjected to group abuse within the naval unit made an extreme choice during vacation. How can the military explain these continued problems? The victim’s names were revealed which induced collective bullying and harassment, leaving the perpetrator persistently threatening the victim rather than being separated from them. What choice could remain for the victim who found out that the organization had no intention of protecting the victim?


Please introduce yourself.


Bae Hyun-Jun: Hello. My name is Bae Hyun-jun. I am 21 years old. I am in the Department of Media and Imaging. Currently, I have not completed military service and I am planning to serve in alternative service as a social worker.


Lee Ju-No: I am Lee Ju-no, who joined the army in 2018 and was discharged in 2019.


How do you feel after watching ‘D.P’? What was the best scene?


Bae Hyun-Jun: The lines and scenes that private Cho performed are the most memorable. "The canteen cup doesn't even change." This was written in 1953 on the water bottle in the unit and it means that the military is still using the water bottle used during the Korean War. The reality of the Korean military and ‘D.P’ seems to have been implied through this message. The water bottle is a very basic supply of soldiers, so this expressed the reality that there has been no significant change in the organization of the military since the Korean War. Searching the data, problems related to water bottles have been raised in the past. However, they just wash water bottles with bleach or purchase new water bottles, but still use old water bottles while keeping them in warehouses. Even these basic problems are not improving, and I wonder if there is any possibility that other irregularities and various forms of corruption occurring in the military will improve.


Lee Ju-No: It exaggerates since it is a broadcast production. However, I think it contributed to the interest of those who have not served in the military because it expressed the type and degree of military problems well. The most memorable scene in the last video of episode 6 suggests a shooting rampage. Recently, there have been incidents caused by similar harsh acts. It was a pity for the soldiers who had to make extreme choices to escape from the harsh acts.


Do you think the current military reality (military culture) has improved a lot?


Bae Hyun-Jun: The military appearance and barracks culture have improved significantly compared to the past, but it is still insufficient. Various problems steadily emerge, but there have been changes and improvements little by little each time. In fact, even in the past military, soldiers lived together in a dormitory from the ranks of private to sergeant. It has now changed to a dormitory based on rank. A system called ‘Letter of the Heart’ is also being undertaken to prevent or cope with problematic issues or harsh actions. Compared to the past, I think monitoring and punishment for irrationality have been strengthened.


Lee Ju-No: Unlike the old military culture, where problems got more severe over time, I think that the improvement of problems and harsh behavior has been confirmed through advanced military films. There are differences in each unit, expressed by the phrase "Unit by Unit." I went to the military, entering a unit with few problems, and problems are improving so much that I feel that life at ages 18 and 19 were different.


Do you think the response is insufficient after an accident in the military? What's the reason?


Bae Hyun-Jun: When an accident occurs in the military or something unsavory happens, I think the military's response is very insufficient. This is because only when the incident breaks out and is widely known to the media or society will the military say they will improve it. Only really big events or a very small number of cases revealed through the media will cause the military leadership to officially express a position or launch a full-fledged investigation within the military. Of course, it is almost impossible to disclose and investigate all the events that occurred in numerous units existing in Korea. However, I hope that at least the incident will be investigated and what caused it will be properly dealt with and improved.


Lee Ju-No: Reporting unethical issues through ‘Letter of the Heart’ has become a right to use among soldiers. However, it is common for executives to bury each other for promotion. Perhaps for that reason, when you encounter military-related accident articles, you will see more problems with executives and soldiers. In addition, I think that the incidents that became an issue in the public have not resulted in proper compensation for the affected soldiers. More specific precautions and compensation for accidents should be presented.


Do you think there's a well-equipped system to file a complaint in the military?


Bae Hyun-Jun: The system is somewhat well equipped. I know that there is a ‘help call’ where soldiers can ask for help over the phone or also ‘Letter of the Heart.’ But I don't think this system plays a 100% role in dealing with problems. A case in which a female Air Force officer made an extreme choice after being sexually assaulted is one of the most representative cases. The accusation system failed to do its part. I think there is a clear need for improvement in the fact that the system does not fulfill its role despite its existence.


Lee Ju-No: There is a well-equipped system for soldiers such as ‘Letter of the Heart’ and 1366. It took a long time to activate, but it is now well established. There may still be cases in which incidents or suggestions are attempted to be covered up for promotion, so it is better to think about other measures.


What do you think the Ministry of National Defense should reform in the future?


Bae Hyun-Jun: I think it is most necessary to open up what happens in the military as much as possible. Quoting what writer Heo Ji-woong said, "The Korean army is an organization that will not show the least rationality without the strongest level of reproach, criticism, and containment." I think this correctly describes the reality of Korea's military. Various incidents in the military can be reduced, concealed, or even pass by without civilians knowing anything. In order to give some solace to the victims of the past, to protect the soldiers who are still suffering from problems somewhere, I think it is necessary to disclose to some extent what is happening in the military.


Lee Ju-No: Advanced military films have greatly improved activities for the convenience of soldiers. However, there is a need for a system that can prevent activities in the shade that have not yet been discovered. Although the recent case of Private Jeong has made people aware of the damage caused by military assault, I think military officials turned the victim into a soldier of interest for their promotion. I think there is a need to pay more attention to the soldiers, such as direct and continuous investigation by higher-level units.


 Pharos listened to the thoughts of a student who had been to the military and a student who had not been to the military. What we felt after the interview was the concern about excessive irrationality and the need for change. Among the scenes in "D.P," there is a scene where a soldier compares the water bottle used during the Korean War and says, "Would the army change when the water bottle doesn't change?" A year and a half dedicated to protecting a country is by no means a short time. In order to prevent that time from being painful, it is necessary to improve the treatment and change the perception of soldiers.



Management Editor·CHOI HYUN JEONG·chj010627@naver.com

75th ReporterKIM YUN-JUNGdbswnd7676@naver.com


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