Formation of Special Inspection TF for 'Army 9th Division Command Abuse'

The Army has formed a special inspection task force (TF) regarding the so-called 'welfare center power abuse and private use' allegations involving the 9th Division command.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

On the 27th, Seo Woo-seok, the Army Public Affairs Officer, stated at the Ministry of National Defense regular briefing, "At the Army Headquarters level, a special inspection TF has been formed, and from today, all welfare centers operated by units at all levels are being inspected," adding, "Inspectors composed of military audit personnel are verifying the overall status of the welfare centers in the relevant units and will focus on checking whether they are being operated abnormally."

A civic group held a press conference the day before, revealing that the 9th Division command demanded special menus not listed on the menu, including a 16-course half-table Korean set meal, fermented skate (hongeo samhap), gwamegi (half-dried Pacific saury), large yellowtail sashimi, and special desserts such as handmade tiramisu from the welfare center attendants. The group also reported that although the Baekma Welfare Center is staffed with 2 attendants, a total of 10 people are working there, and among them, 2 have developed conditions such as patellar chondromalacia due to overwork.

The Army stated, "Through this inspection, we will confirm the voices from the field and ensure that all welfare centers within the Army are operated in accordance with the fundamental purpose of boosting troop morale and welfare."

Jeon Ha-gyu, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense, also said at the regular briefing, "The Ministry of National Defense is taking the situation seriously and will verify the actual conditions of the Army, Navy, and Air Force, then take necessary follow-up measures."

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