Reform Party floor leader Cheon Ha-ram. [Yonhap]
Reform Party floor leader Cheon Ha-ram. [Yonhap]

Reform Party floor leader Cheon Ha-ram will become the first sitting National Assembly member to enter an army training camp.

According to Cheon's office on Friday, the floor leader — who sits on the Assembly's National Defense Committee — will check in to the Army's 27th Recruit Training Regiment in Nonsan, South Chungcheong Province, for a two-night, three-day stay beginning Wednesday.

On the first day, Cheon will receive combat fatigues, gear and supplies and live under the same conditions as regular recruits.

On the second day, he will undergo combined individual combat training in the morning, complete a 20-kilometer night march in the evening and take part in overnight guard duty. The schedule mirrors training conducted during the fourth and fifth weeks of recruit education.

The visit came together after Cheon's office approached the military with the proposal. As a member of the National Defense Committee, Cheon plans to bunk and eat alongside recruits and hear firsthand about the difficulties young soldiers face during their service.

"Although it is only two nights and three days, I planned this schedule to share the hardships with recruits who are pushing through grueling training in the sweltering heat," Cheon said. "I will approach the training with gratitude for all service members across the armed forces who are sacrificing their youth to protect the lives and property of the people."

Cheon, a former lawyer, completed his military service as a public interest legal officer at the Korea Legal Aid Corporation.


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