Crazy Soldiers... Secret 'Code Words' Leaked to Loan Sharks

In a domestic military unit, suspicions have arisen that soldiers leaked a level 3 secret code word (a predetermined phrase used to identify friend or foe) to civilians, prompting investigative agencies to launch a large-scale investigation.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

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According to a compilation of Yonhap News reports on the 22nd, the Jeonbuk Provincial Police Agency, Jeonju District Prosecutors' Office, and military intelligence authorities are conducting investigations into individuals suspected of violating the Military Secrets Protection Act. It is known that the incident was first detected by the military intelligence investigation agency, the Republic of Korea Counterintelligence Command.

The core of the case is that some soldiers serving in a unit in the Chungcheong Province region reportedly lent the code word to civilian loan sharks when borrowing money. It is understood that the soldiers shared the code word instead of collateral such as movable or immovable property to build trust with the loan sharks. Since failing to repay debts on time could jeopardize the soldiers' positions, the loan sharks appeared to accept this arrangement.

However, it has not yet been confirmed which party initially proposed sharing the code word as collateral. The soldiers who leaked the code word are reported not to be enlisted personnel currently fulfilling their military service obligations. According to the Defense Security Operations Directive, the code word, classified as a level 3 secret, is changed daily in word format and cannot be transmitted by phone. If leaked, it must be immediately discarded and a new code word created, emphasizing its security. Identification between friend and foe is conducted by the sentry saying the "mun-eo" (challenge word) and the target responding with the "dap-eo" (response word).

This investigation was jointly conducted by the military, which handled the investigation of the soldiers, and the prosecution and police, who investigated civilians such as loan sharks. Evidence was secured through multiple search and seizure operations, and with the detention of accomplices, it is anticipated that indictments of those involved in the case are imminent.

While these agencies acknowledged conducting the investigation, they were reluctant to provide details citing security concerns related to the military unit. A representative of the Jeonbuk Provincial Police Agency stated, "The case was recently transferred, and the prosecution's investigation is underway," adding, "No other information can be disclosed." A representative of the Jeonju District Prosecutors' Office also said, "Due to issues related to the disclosure of suspect information before indictment, no details related to the case will be made public."

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