Generous Side Dishes and Dessert... 'Haebyeongdae Model Meals' Stand Out Amid School Meal Controversy

A photo of exemplary meals reported on the Facebook community "Delivering Army Training Center News (Yukdaejeon)" on the 23rd. Photo by Yukdaejeon Facebook capture

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Choyoung] Amid ongoing controversies over 'poor military meals' in army units, 'Yukdaejun' (Army Training Center Delivery) has revealed examples of 'exemplary meals' for isolated soldiers.

On the 23rd, the Facebook community 'Yukdaejun' operator posted 26 photos along with a post titled "Vaccination photos of isolated personnel posted in the (Marine Corps) Yeonpyeongdo cafe."

The lunchboxes shown in the photos mostly consisted of '4 side dishes per person,' with a diverse menu and generous portions, including special dishes such as chicken legs and hamburgers.

Netizens responded, "It's only natural to be treated like this, but it's sad that people are surprised to see this," and "Having seen so many substandard lunchboxes that defy common sense, is it any wonder this looks particularly good?"

A photo of exemplary meals reported on the Facebook community "Delivering Army Training Center News (Yukdaejeon)" on the 23rd. Photo by Yukdaejeon Facebook capture

Some expressed concerns that this might be 'for show.' However, a netizen who identified themselves as a Marine serving at the Yeonpyeong unit stated, "My senior and junior comrades carefully pack those lunchboxes every day," adding, "It's not for show; they always put in that much effort," which settled the controversy for the time being.

Since the 18th of last month, there have been 13 cases of poor military meals publicized through 'Yukdaejun.' The Ministry of National Defense held a major commanders' meeting and began preparing countermeasures.