Special Leave for Soldiers Who Helped North Korean Defectors – What They’re Getting

The Army and Marine Corps soldiers who contributed to the defection operations of North Korean soldiers and civilians received a special leave of 29 nights and 30 days.

On Sunday, the South Korean Army announced that Private First Class Woo, a 3rd Battalion (GOP Battalion) member in the 56th Brigade of the 22nd Division, has been awarded a commendation from the division commander along with a 29-night, 30-day reward leave. This recognition comes in response to his significant role in a defection operation that took place on the 20th of last month. On the 3rd, Private Woo will be provided transportation home using a unit vehicle, and he will also receive a commendation from the Army Chief of Staff.

In a similar gesture, Private Park of the Marine Corps’ 2nd Division was granted a 29-night, 30-day reward leave for his involvement in a defection operation at the Han River estuary on the 8th of last month, which facilitated the escape of a North Korean civilian.

Major General Jeong Jong Beom, commander of the Marine Corps 2nd Division, personally visited Private Park’s unit to present the commendation. His unit also arranged transportation for his leave and provided a monetary reward.

According to South Korean military regulations, soldiers are generally limited to a maximum of 16 days of reward leave during their service period. However, for exceptional achievements such as assisting in defections, commanding officers at the general officer level (brigadier general and above) have the authority to approve extended reward leave within a month of the service.

The Ministry of National Defense has also noted that Minister Shin Won Sik sent encouragement cards to both Private Woo and Private Park to acknowledge their contributions to these significant operations.