'Trainee at 40': Reform Party floor leader says army boot camp nearly killed him

Cheon Ha-ram, floor leader of the Reform Party, said he "genuinely thought he was going to die" during training at the Army Training Center in Nonsan, South Chungcheong Province, where he completed a two-night, three-day basic training program, adding that the dedication of South Korea's soldiers is "truly remarkable."

Writing on Facebook on Friday, Cheon said he came away from the Nonsan Army Training Center having "felt and learned a great deal — and been genuinely surprised."

"The training itself was grueling, but just wearing a military uniform and living communally in this heat is no joke," he said. "I have nothing but respect for every soldier." He added that what moved him most was seeing young men in their 20s up close at the training center. "It was genuinely inspiring," he said.

Cheon went on to say that while some in political circles had recently spoken dismissively of people in their 20s — young men in particular — his experience showed him that "our young generation in their 20s is carrying out their assigned roles more diligently and faithfully than anyone." He also thanked his fellow recruits in the 3rd Squad, 1st Platoon, 11th Company, 3rd Training Battalion, 27th Regiment at the Nonsan Army Training Center. "They helped this worn-out ajeossi push through and shared plenty of food during the night march's free time," he said. "I'm truly grateful."

Cheon also said he noticed significant changes at the training center. "Did you know smartwatches are now being used at the training center? I actually wore one during training myself," he said. He noted that some training regiments had yet to adopt the devices but said rollout was imminent, adding that he would personally monitor whether the necessary budget comes through.

He also praised the installation of air conditioning in all barracks as "a truly welcome change," and spoke highly of the decision to outsource the training center's cafeteria operations to a professional catering company.

On the approach to training during the heat wave, Cheon said it was "highly scientific and efficient" — intensive drills such as individual combat training were concentrated during cooler hours, while the hottest midday period was reserved for naps and personal time. Even so, he said the experience left him with a sense of urgency about "the already serious reality of our shrinking military manpower."

Cheon had enrolled at the Nonsan Army Training Center on Wednesday to undergo basic training. His office said the visit was undertaken "on the principle that policy comes from the field, not from a desk," as part of his preparation for work on the National Assembly's defense committee, and that the firsthand experience of soldiers' living conditions and welfare would be reflected in future policy questions.