Chun Ha-ram, the floor leader of the Reform Party, entered the Army Training Center in Nonsan on August 12. Assigned to the National Assembly's Defense Committee, he made this decision to directly experience the training and living conditions of military personnel.
On the morning of August 12, the 40-year-old Chun had his hair cut short at a salon in the National Assembly in preparation for his training. This marks his second time entering a training center, having previously done so 14 years ago before serving as a public interest lawyer.
Chun will undergo basic training for three days and two nights, starting on August 12, after which he will receive combat uniforms, gear, and supplies as part of the new recruit process.
On the second day, he will participate in training exercises simulating wartime conditions, including comprehensive individual combat drills. From 9 p.m. until the early hours of the following day, he will take part in a 20-kilometer night march. On the final day, August 14, he is scheduled to complete a certification ceremony for new soldiers and conclude his training.
Chun stated that he felt the need to experience military operations firsthand after being assigned to the Defense Committee. He expressed this sentiment during an appearance on CBS's 'Park Jae-hong's One-on-One Show' on August 10, saying, "Rather than discussing defense policy based solely on my previous experiences, I believe it is essential to update my experiences to develop more realistic policies."
He also noted, "As one of the relatively younger members of the National Assembly, I sometimes fall into the illusion that my experiences are up to date. While I have concerns, I am determined to do my best."
Chun's office communicated through a press release that since his assignment to the Defense Committee, he has been preparing for committee activities under the principle that "policies arise from the field, not from the desk." He aims to experience the conditions and treatment of military personnel who diligently carry out their duties for the country, even in extreme heat, and to reflect this in future Defense Committee activities and policy inquiries.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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