Shocking Military Abuse: How a 2005 Incident Exposed the Dark Side of South Korea’s Army

Rage Explodes During Bathroom Inspection at Training Center

At 3:30 PM, during night roll call preparations, feces were discovered in a toilet bowl. Captain Lee Kyung-jin lined up all 192 company members, accusing them of improper cleaning. 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, degrading their dignity. Trainees complied out of fear. The situation of no running water preventing flushing was ignored.

Trainee’s Letter Exposes Incident to the World

In 2005, with no cell phones or social media in the military, one victim wrote to a friend: “We were forced to eat feces.” A tipster relayed this to MBC reporter Baek Seung-gyu. On January 20, MBC’s report sent shockwaves nationwide.
The Korea Defense Daily reported 4 days later. Division commander Maj. Gen. Heo Pyeong-hwan pleaded with reporters, “Don’t report this, for patriotism.” Public outrage ensued.

Military Command Immediately Dispatches Special Investigation Team

On January 21, Lee Kyung-jin was arrested. The Army HQ sent an investigation team led by Inspector General Ryu Woo-sik. Defense Minister Yoon Kwang-woong apologized on TV. Division commander Heo received a warning, 14 others including the 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

The military court sentenced him to 6 years in prison for insult and obstruction of duty. The sentence was upheld on appeal. The training center commander received a warning, the education battalion commander was dismissed. Controversy arose over disciplining squad leaders (sergeants).
After the incident, mandatory welfare calls were instituted and a culture prohibiting verbal abuse was fostered.

Excuse of No Running Water for Toilets Fails to Convince

Lee claimed he was “instructing cleaning due to trainees’ inability to flush.” However, forcing fecal matter into mouths was deemed psychopathic. Victims suffered severe trauma.
The Center for Military Human Rights Korea condemned the “human rights violation.” The incident became a symbol of military misconduct.

Media Pressure and Military Cover-up Attempts Exposed

A recording of the division commander asking MBC not to report was released. The Defense Ministry faced criticism for “protecting their own.” The training center commander apologized on TV. Public opinion sparked military reform.
Discussions began on abolishing conscripted policemen’s training centers. The incident initiated a overhaul of military culture.

Incident Becomes Symbol of Military Brutality

The 2005 case exposed military violence in an era without cell phones. A trainee’s courageous letter led to change. Today, personal phones help reduce misconduct.
Lee’s pattern highlighted the issue of psychopathic commanders. The military learned to strengthen command responsibility.