By Salma El-Sakka
South Korea’s Army has acknowledged that a training program at an elite special forces unit, in which soldiers were taught to walk and pose like fashion models, was inappropriate. The event, called the K-Walking Performance Military Festival, took place on October 29 at a gymnasium inside the Army Special Warfare Command’s 1st Special Forces Brigade base, according to local media reports.
Footage sparks public backlash
Video obtained by broadcaster TV Chosun showed female models wearing camouflage outfits and high heels demonstrating catwalk techniques to groups of male soldiers. The soldiers imitated movements such as walking with one foot placed in front of the other, turning their bodies, and striking poses with bent arms. The footage drew criticism on social media, with users questioning why a unit tasked with high-risk special operations was spending time on runway techniques.
Lawmaker condemns program
People Power Party lawmaker Park Choong-kwon criticized the program on Facebook, noting that North Korea continues to carry out landmine provocations and missile launches while the defense ministry brings in fashion models to teach special forces how to walk. He argued that the soldiers themselves should not be blamed and that the military must take responsibility for the humiliation inflicted on elite troops.
Army admits lack of review
The brigade initially described the event as a personal development program held twice a year to improve posture, walking techniques, and military bearing. However, an Army official later admitted the program had not been properly assessed before being organized. The official said the content was inappropriate for the unit’s characteristics and had not been reviewed beforehand, adding that future programs will incorporate soldiers’ opinions and undergo careful review.
Unit linked to martial law declaration
The 1st Special Forces Brigade was among the units deployed during former President Yoon Suk Yeol’s declaration of martial law on December 3, 2024. The brigade’s commander at the time, Lee Sang-hyun, is currently on trial over charges connected to that declaration.
