“During the height of COVID-19 in 2020, there was a shortage of masks. I often saw soldiers wearing regular masks for long periods, which caused them ear pain. I remember asking a company to donate 10 million protective masks,” said Yoon Bok, head of the Military Arts Troupe, during an interview at his office in Yongsan, Seoul.
Yoon's smile was evident as he spoke about his children and his long-standing connection with the military, which began in 1989. Like his older brother, who entered the Army Academy, Yoon initially aspired to be a career soldier. However, after completing basic training, he was assigned to manage inmates in a prison, leaving him with a sense of regret.
Reflecting on his journey, Yoon recalled, “After establishing a stable distribution business in Seoul, I started donating pork to a military unit in Inje, where a friend served as an MP. That’s how my path of giving began.” Initially, he found joy in simply providing delicious meat to soldiers and seeing their happy faces.
“People around me thought I would stop after a few times, but word spread to other units, and I began receiving requests to visit them as well,” he said.
In early 2015, while delivering supplies to various military units, Yoon received a request to organize a performance for one of the units. Despite having no experience in event planning, he didn’t hesitate, knowing it was for the soldiers. He reached out to a former elementary school senior who worked at KBS, which helped him secure performers and necessary equipment.
“When the military requests something from me, I never say 'no.' I find a way to fulfill at least half of their request. This has built trust and goodwill over the years,” Yoon stated.
In 2015, he established a nonprofit organization to provide systematic support. He organized performances and lectures, created a book café, and initiated 'Jajangmyeon Day' to provide meals for soldiers. His book concert, titled 'Reading Changes the Future,' became popular, allowing soldiers to share their thoughts with reading coaches during visits to their units.
“I visit frontline units and remote bases at least 60 to 70 times a year. Last year alone, we supported over 80 units with the book café and conducted more than 120 lectures. Overall, I estimate I have been active in nearly 2,000 events,” he explained.
Over the past 38 years, Yoon has donated over 10 billion won to the military. He contributed 1.5 billion won in 2024 and 1.2 to 1.3 billion won in 2025. In December of last year, he received a letter of appreciation from Defense Minister An Gyu-baek.
His phone rang continuously during the interview, coordinating next week’s schedule. As the 'big brother' of the military, 80% of his social media friends are soldiers.
“When evaluating organizations for business contracts, I hope there will be a qualitative assessment of how long they have supported the military, in addition to quantitative measures like revenue. Honestly, it’s a tough job. But the military feels like family to me. I will continue my work until I grow old and pass away,” he emphasized.
A military official visiting the Military Arts Troupe office glanced at Yoon and murmured, “There really is no one like him.”
* This article has been translated by AI.
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