Kim Ki-hyun Targets Military Support This Time... All Units Replace 'Eoreum Jeongsugi' Water Coolers

"Ice Water Purifiers Distributed to Over 20,000 Military Units Nationwide
Improvement to Provide Uniforms Per Person in Units"

Kim Ki-hyun, leader of the People Power Party, promised to replace water purifiers in military units nationwide with ice water purifiers. This move is interpreted as an effort to capture the 'military sentiment (軍心)' concentrated among the 'young male voters in their 20s (I-dae-nam)'?a key demographic?following his campaign to win support in the Honam region ahead of next year's general election.

On the day, Kim visited the 3rd Army Division (Baekgol Unit) in Cheorwon, Gangwon Province, and presented ice water purifiers as gifts. While dining with soldiers, he said, "These days, the weather is scorching heat and tropical nights, so I am worried," adding, "I brought a gift of a water purifier that dispenses ice. We will distribute these nationwide so that you can enjoy cool water in your barracks."

The party and government plan to supply 20,790 ice water purifiers to the entire military. Park Dae-chul, chairman of the People Power Party's Policy Committee, who accompanied Kim, explained, "The ice water purifiers brought as gifts by (Kim Ki-hyun) will be distributed to all units nationwide," adding, "The intention is to help soldiers stay cool in summer and warm in winter, along with their combat uniforms." Park also said, "Discussions have been held between the party and the Ministry of National Defense, and basic budget consultations with the Ministry of Economy and Finance have been agreed upon in principle," and "The party is currently discussing specific measures regarding the guarantee of the three rights of reservists."

After finishing the meal, Kim personally filled a cup with ice and water from the ice water purifier installed in the dining hall and tasted it. A representative from the 3rd Division told Kim, "Originally, only hot water was available," and added, "Thanks to your support, soldiers will be able to enjoy iced Americanos comfortably in the dining hall."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Additionally, Kim announced improvements to the winter combat uniforms previously supplied to units, stating that one set will now be provided per individual soldier. He said, "We plan to provide personal issuance so that soldiers can work in a more comfortable environment."

He continued, "The winter uniforms are becoming lighter, more breathable, and significantly improved. We are budgeting to fully support these from next year, and for now, we will expand the pilot project so that future soldiers can wear better, personally issued uniforms."

Kim also personally touched and tried on the improved insulated inner and outer layers, functional winter uniforms, and combat raincoats. Wearing the functional winter uniform, Kim commented, "It’s really light," and added, "It feels like the ski suits civilians wear when going skiing."

On the same day, the People Power Party leadership pledged to pursue institutional improvements to ensure that reservists do not face attendance penalties at universities after participating in reservist training. Park explained, "Necessary parts will involve amending relevant laws," and added, "The party is preparing specific measures regarding the three rights of reservists: learning rights, transportation rights, and living rights."

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