[2020 National Audit] "Soldiers Washing Disposable Masks to Reuse... Promised 30 Masks, Only 8 per Month Provided"

On the 16th, at the confirmation hearing for Defense Minister nominee Seo Wook held at the National Assembly, Lee Chae-ik, a member of the People Power Party, is making remarks related to Hwang Hee, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea. / 2020.09.16

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] Amid a cluster outbreak of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) at an army unit in Pocheon, Gyeonggi Province, concerns have been raised that the shortage of masks remains severe at the frontline military units.

According to data submitted by the Ministry of National Defense on the 7th to Lee Chae-ik, a member of the National Assembly’s Defense Committee from the People Power Party, soldiers have been receiving only 2 masks per person per week (8 masks per month) even after the mask purchase restrictions were lifted.

As a result, soldiers at frontline units have been washing and reusing disposable health masks multiple times, and the irregular distribution timing has caused them to suffer from mask shortages. According to a report from a soldier received by Lee’s office, there is a shortage of KF94 masks provided to soldiers, leading them to wash and reuse masks multiple times, and rumors have spread that masks meant for soldiers are being diverted to civilians (outside).

In particular, the soldier reportedly said, "Masks are highly vulnerable to contamination in duties such as cooking, engineering, and guard duty," adding, "Masks are already in short supply, and irregular distribution makes it impossible to plan their use," Lee’s office conveyed.

Lee Chae-ik stated, "As demonstrated by the cluster infection incident at the Pocheon military unit, military units are vulnerable to COVID-19 infection," and urged, "The current monthly provision of 8 masks should be increased to 12 to 16 masks per month in preparation for this winter."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.