Ministry of National Defense Admits Poor Meal Quality... Supervision Was Merely Words

[Asia Economy Yang Nak-gyu, Military Specialist Reporter]The cause of the provision of substandard meals to isolated soldiers at a subordinate unit of the Gyeryongdae Support Group, a direct unit under the Ministry of National Defense, was revealed to be 'negligence in catering supervision' according to the audit results.

On the 25th, the Gyeryongdae Support Group stated through the Facebook page 'The Ministry of National Defense Informs You' that "It was confirmed to be soldier lunch boxes for personnel under cohort isolation after returning from leave," and added, "During the lunch box packaging process, communication with the restaurant and catering supervision were neglected, resulting in packaging with insufficient side dishes, which caused this issue."

They continued, "Currently, the unit is conducting strengthened inspections centered on the commander, including on-site checks of food receipt, verification of restaurant operations and meal satisfaction at every mealtime, and joint inspections of isolation facilities. Efforts are underway to ensure these measures are applied continuously and monitored, not just as a one-time action."

The Ministry of National Defense Audit Office conducted an on-site audit from the 17th to 18th after receiving a report on the 16th via the Facebook community 'Army Training Center Delivered Instead' (hereafter Yookdaejeon) about substandard breakfast meals such as "rice, stir-fried kimchi, and squid soup without any solid ingredients."

However, although the Ministry of National Defense stated at the time, "Depending on the audit results, strict responsibility will be imposed on those involved," it has been understood that no significant personnel measures have been taken even a week after the audit was completed.

Regarding this, Ministry of National Defense spokesperson Boo Seung-chan said at a briefing that on-site inspections are also being conducted in other units and that "Considering fairness with the Gyeryongdae Support Group and other factors comprehensively, the level of punishment should be adjusted with a balanced perspective. Appropriate measures will be taken once the comprehensive review of the inspection results is completed."