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It has been revealed that military personnel have accumulated debts of 44.4 billion won from loan sharks. According to data released by the Financial Services Commission, 432 military personnel received debt adjustment through the Credit Recovery Commission last year, with a total support amounting to 10.2 billion won. In 2023, 443 personnel received debt adjustments totaling 9.3 billion won, and in 2024, another 443 personnel received 10.6 billion won in adjustments.
As financial issues among military personnel worsen, they are increasingly at risk of exposure to online gambling and high-risk investments. This year, the monthly salaries for soldiers are set at 750,000 won for private, 900,000 won for private first class, 1.2 million won for corporal, and 1.5 million won for sergeant. Although there is an opportunity to save approximately 20.19 million won through the Military Preparation Savings, financial difficulties are exacerbated by gambling and debt investment.
The Financial Services Commission has collaborated with the Ministry of National Defense and the Financial Supervisory Service to establish new educational measures aimed at enhancing financial education for military personnel. The approach will shift from traditional one-sided lectures to a format where personnel can directly assess their financial issues and seek solutions. Additionally, there are plans to expand one-on-one financial counseling and provide personalized consultations through both online and in-person channels. The government is also pursuing a plan to offer rewards for military personnel who actively participate in financial education.