[Yang Nak-gyu's Defence Club] Jeon Du-hwan's Grandson Arrives... Military Accelerates Drug Investigation

After COVID-19 Quarantine Eased
Increase in Soldiers' Leave and Outings Leads to Surge in Drug Crimes
Comprehensive Investigation Including Air Force Officer Mentioned by Jeon Woo-won

The investigation into drug-related offenses within the military is expected to accelerate following the arrival of Jeon Woo-won, the grandson of former President Jeon Du-hwan, who was involved in a 'drug scandal.' Amid a sharp increase in military drug crime cases after a lull during the COVID-19 pandemic, military authorities plan to conduct a comprehensive investigation, including the Air Force officers mentioned by Jeon.

A military official told Asia Economy on the 28th via phone, “The two officers mentioned by Jeon are both overseas-educated, having attended universities abroad,” adding, “We will investigate all drug-related crimes within the military, including these officers.”

The military's large-scale drug crime investigation was prompted by a resurgence of drug offenses within the armed forces since last year. According to data received by Assemblyman Seol Hoon of the National Defense Committee from the Ministry of National Defense, the number of military drug crime suspects increased sharply from 4 in 2020 and 5 in 2021 to 15 last year. This returned to pre-COVID levels (12 in 2018, 15 in 2019).

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Last year, the Army accounted for the majority of military drug offenders with 12 cases, followed by the Marine Corps with 1, the Navy with 1, and the Air Force with 1. By rank, there were 2 majors and 1 sergeant among the officers, but the majority were enlisted soldiers, totaling 12. Regarding drug types, marijuana was the most common with 7 cases, while methamphetamine and ecstasy (MDMA) were each detected once.

The military believes that as the spread of COVID-19 slowed, soldiers’ leaves, outings, and overnight stays increased, leading to a resurgence in drug crimes. In March last year, Private A of the Navy was caught by police for using ecstasy and smoking marijuana while on leave. Also, Sergeant B of the Army was apprehended after smoking and consuming marijuana and ecstasy purchased online at a nightlife venue.

Two active-duty officers accused by Jeon, the former president’s grandson, are both Air Force lieutenants. Jeon claimed that Officer A is a serious criminal who used cocaine and other strong drugs and had offered drugs to him. He also alleged that Officer B is a 'fraudster and sex offender' who has a history of taking photos and videos of women without their consent. Officer A is currently serving at the Ministry of National Defense, while Officer B is stationed at an Air Force unit.

Assemblyman Seol said, “The sharp increase in drug crimes within the military indicates a decline in military discipline,” emphasizing that “active investigations and strict punishments must be implemented.”

Meanwhile, since June 14, Jeon has been exposing through social media that the Jeon Du-hwan family lived a luxurious life using slush funds. On the 17th, during a live internet broadcast criticizing his family, he exhibited hallucinations after reportedly consuming various drugs suspected to be narcotics and was taken to the emergency room.

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