FSS chief warns soldiers against reckless investment, urges sound money management

Financial Supervisory Service Governor Lee Chan-jin visited troops Wednesday to urge them to guard against losses from overleveraged investments and financial crimes.

Speaking at the Army's Second Operations Command in Suseong-gu, Daegu, Lee said soldiers who manage their military pay wisely can build a solid financial foundation. "If you manage your salary properly during your service, you can build a reliable seed fund — and that becomes the base asset for your economic independence after discharge," he said.

Leading a financial education session titled "Preventing Illegal Gambling Harm Among Troops and Building Sound Asset Management," Lee walked soldiers through practical examples of how to use the military savings account program and invest responsibly. He particularly highlighted the current state of illegal gambling, citing punishment cases to convey its dangers, and shared everyday tips for resisting the temptation to gamble.

Wednesday's session was Lee's second time personally conducting financial education for troops. The first was at the 31st Infantry Division's recruit training battalion in Buk-gu, Gwangju, in March, where he similarly stressed the importance of stable asset formation and risk management habits, saying military pay represents "the future potential to prepare for life after discharge."

FSS-affiliated certified financial planners also provided one-on-one personalized financial counseling on site.

Lee also attended the launch ceremony for a youth talent development project held at iM Bank's second headquarters in Buk-gu, Daegu, on Wednesday. He then visited Unicorn Lab and Pium Lab — spaces dedicated to nurturing local venture companies and startups — alongside iM Financial Group Chairman Hwang Byung-woo and others, where he heard from the heads of key firms about operational challenges.

"More active support from the financial sector is needed to help venture companies and startups develop innovative products and services," Lee said. "The FSS will spare no effort in providing the support that is needed."