All off-duty South Korean troops will be able to use their own personal cellphones starting April,... as part of efforts to boost morale and improve the overall military culture.
Our Kan Hyeong-woo reports.
From April,... South Korea will allow all troops to use their private smartphones while they are off-duty.
However, there will be a three-month long pilot period to make sure there are no security issues.

Soldiers who are not on duty will be permitted to use their phones from 6PM to 10PM on weekdays and from 7AM to 10PM on weekends and holidays.
Taking photos or videos and recording sound within the base will be strictly forbidden.
But soldiers will be able use mobile phones for other purposes everywhere except for some classified areas.

In April 2018, South Korea's Defense Ministry authorized the personal use of mobile phones at some units on a trial basis and later conducted a survey on the effects of the decision.
About 90 percent of respondents were in favor of draftees being able to use cellphones,... saying their phones will enable them to keep in touch with their parents and friends... and search for information for personal studies and future employment.

Some critics have raised concerns that allowing cellphone use risks the leakage of classified military information,... which could potentially threaten national security.
However,... the defense ministry says it will ensure there are no security issues.

"The Ministry of National Defense will guarantee the basic rights and freedom of drafted soldiers. But at the same time, we'll continue to create a disciplined military culture where every member of the armed forces is held accountable for any violation of the rules."
Kan Hyeong-woo, Arirang News.