South Korean Army apologizes for elite special forces catwalk training

The South Korean Army has issued an apology following controversy over a training session where elite special forces soldiers practiced catwalk walking and posing techniques. The event, titled the “K-Walking Performance Military Festival,” was held at the base of the 1st Special Forces Brigade.

Footage of the session showed female models in camouflage uniforms and high heels demonstrating runway techniques, such as crossing legs and posing with bent arms, which the soldiers then imitated. The video sparked widespread criticism on social media and from politicians, with many questioning the purpose of such training for a unit responsible for high-risk special operations.

While the military initially described the event as a character-building program designed to improve posture, officials later admitted the content was inappropriate and had not undergone proper scrutiny. The Army stated that the program did not align with the nature of the unit or the needs of its members. Moving forward, the military has pledged to consult soldiers during the planning stages and carefully evaluate the suitability of future training programs.