Shocking Military Abuse: How a 2005 Incident Exposed Brutality in South Korean Training Camps

Anger Explodes During Latrine Inspection at Training Center

At 3:30 PM, during night roll call preparations, feces were found in a toilet bowl. Capt. Lee Kyung-jin lined up all 192 company members, claiming “cleaning wasn’t done properly.” He forced them to dip their fingers in excrement, put it in their mouths, and hold it for 5 seconds, repeating this twice.
“This is what you are,” he said, insulting their dignity. Trainees complied out of fear. The situation where toilets couldn’t be flushed due to lack of water was ignored.

Trainee’s Letter Exposes Incident to the World

In 2005, without cellphones or social media in the military, one victim wrote to a friend: “We ate feces.” A tipster passed it to MBC reporter Baek Seung-kyu. On January 20, MBC’s report sent shockwaves nationwide.
The Korea Defense Daily reported 4 days late. Division commander Maj. Gen. Heo Pyeong-hwan pleaded with reporters, “Don’t report it, for patriotism.” Public outrage erupted.

Military Command Immediately Dispatches Special Investigation Team

On January 21, Lee Kyung-jin was arrested. Army HQ sent Inspector General Ryu Woo-sik’s team. Defense Minister Yoon Kwang-woong apologized on TV. Division commander Heo received a warning, 14 others including regimental commander were disciplined.
The military police detachment commander was replaced. The National Human Rights Commission launched an investigation. Criticism of military secrecy surged.

Lee Kyung-jin Sentenced to 6 Years in Prison

Military court sentenced him to 6 years for insult and obstruction of duty. Appeals court upheld the sentence. Training center commander warned, education battalion commander dismissed. Controversy over squad leader (sergeant) discipline.
Post-incident, mandatory welfare calls implemented at training centers, push to ban verbal abuse.

Excuse of Water Shortage for Uncleaned Toilets Doesn’t Hold Up

Lee claimed he was “teaching cleaning due to trainees’ inability to flush.” However, forcing fecal matter ingestion is psychopathic. Victims suffer severe trauma.
Military Human Rights Center condemned the “human rights violation.” The incident became a symbol of military misconduct.

Media Influence Attempts and Military Cover-up Exposed

Recording revealed division commander’s plea to MBC: “Please don’t report.” Defense Ministry criticized for “protecting their own.” Training center commander apologized on TV. Public opinion sparked military reform.
Discussions to abolish conscripted police training centers. Incident initiated overhaul of military culture.

Incident Becomes Symbol of Military Abuse

The 2005 case exposed military violence in pre-smartphone era. A trainee’s letter courageously led to change. Today, personal phones help reduce misconduct.
Lee’s pattern highlights psychopathic leadership issues. Lessons learned on strengthening command responsibility.