"Female Soldier's Abortion Experience?"... Apology Over Controversy of Army Training Center Trainee Questionnaire

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jihwan] The Army Training Center issued an official apology after it was revealed that trainees were asked to fill out a checklist that included questions about their girlfriends' experiences with pregnancy termination.

On the 12th, the Army Training Center stated regarding the "use of an interview checklist with potential human rights violations," "We sincerely apologize to the trainees who may have been hurt during the interview process," and added, "We deeply regret the series of human rights violation cases recently raised concerning the Army Training Center."

Earlier, the 30th Regiment of the Army Training Center required trainees who entered on March 29 to complete an 'Observation and Interview Checklist (32 questions)' that included questions such as "Has your opposite-sex friend had an abortion?", "Any criminal record before enlistment?", and "Any family members with a criminal record?".

The Army Training Center explained, "In mid-April, through an internal human rights survey, we identified that some items in the checklist used as a reference during trainee interviews by certain companies had 'potential human rights violation issues.' We have completely banned the use of the checklist and instructed efforts to protect trainees' human rights." They emphasized, "The checklist is currently not in use."

Last month, the Army Training Center also faced criticism for infringing on trainees' human rights by imposing excessive quarantine guidelines, such as restricting bathroom usage time to prevent COVID-19.