NHRCK Calls for Fundamental Reforms to Ensure Human Rights-Friendly Basic Training at Military Academies
- Measures Required to Protect the Human Rights of Pre-Cadets During Pre-Entry Training -
□ On March 26, 2026, the National Human Rights Commission of Korea (Chairperson Ahn Chang-ho; hereinafter "NHRCK") issued recommendations regarding inappropriate discipline and excessive control during the basic training of pre-cadets at ○○ Military Academy. The Commission recommended:
- To the Superintendent of ○○ Military Academy: Disciplinary action against those involved.
- To the Chief of Staff of the ○○: A special, comprehensive diagnostic audit of the basic training program and necessary corrective measures.
- To the Minister of National Defense: The establishment of a clear legal basis for pre-entry basic training across all military academies and the formulation of fundamental strategies for human rights-friendly operations.
□ Background of the Case
The complainant is an individual who voluntarily withdrew from the ○○ class of pre-cadets at ○○ Military Academy (hereinafter "the respondent academy"). In February 2026, the complainant filed a complaint with the NHRCK, alleging that they had been subjected to various forms of abuse, including physical assault, excessive disciplinary drills, verbal abuse, and forced overeating, by senior cadet instructors and commissioned officers (hereinafter "the respondents") during the pre-entry training period.
□ Responses from the Respondents
Some of the respondents denied the allegations, while others admitted to disciplining the pre-cadets but claimed that the level of discipline was not excessive.
□ Findings from the Investigation
The NHRCK’s Committee on Human Rights in Military (Chairperson: Standing Commissioner Oh Young-geun, Human Rights Protector for Military) conducted an on-site investigation at the respondent academy from February 23 to 25, 2026, including surveys and interviews. The investigation confirmed numerous cases of human rights violations among pre-cadets undergoing basic training, such as excessive disciplinary drills, physical assault, collective punishment, profanity, verbal abuse, forced overeating, and restricted meal times, all of which violate the rights to human dignity and personal liberty guaranteed under Articles 10 and 12 of the Constitution.
Furthermore, the Commission observed that the current practice, where senior cadets (who are themselves students) conduct de facto military training for pre-cadets (who still hold civilian status), carries a significant risk of violating statutory laws.
□ Conclusion and Recommendations
In issuing the aforementioned recommendations, the NHRCK emphasized:
"While the basic training system has a recognized educational necessity given the academies' purpose of cultivating future officers, it involves intense restrictions on fundamental rights, such as compulsory boarding and strict lifestyle regulations, similar to active military service. Therefore, such training must be conducted based on a clear and explicit legal foundation."
