South Korean Army Faces Criticism Over Catwalk Training for Special Forces

According to Xinhua News Agency, the South Korean army faced widespread criticism after video footage circulated online showing special forces soldiers practicing fashion-model catwalks during a recent event, despite official claims that the exercise was intended to improve posture. The Korea Herald reported that the First Airborne Special Forces Brigade held a military performance festival on October 29 featuring a session where male soldiers mimicked female models walking the catwalk. Video provided by a former soldier showed female models in camouflage uniforms and high heels instructing soldiers in a gymnasium. Public reaction was intensely critical, with many observers raising concerns over discipline and military conduct, while a commenter on social media platform X questioned the purpose of such drills given the specialized nature and responsibilities of special operations troops. Responding to the fallout, an army official acknowledged that the program failed to match the nature of the unit and the needs of the soldiers, admitting inadequate preliminary review. The official stated that the army will gather soldier input and thoroughly assess training suitability during future planning.

An army official acknowledged that the program was unsuited to the unit's nature and soldier needs due to inadequate prior review, stating the army will consult soldiers and carefully evaluate training suitability during planning phases going forward.