[Opinion] Jjam-bab

“Ugh, listen up! We all have experienced `Jjam-bab (army food) for three years. How can you ever think that we aren`t even able to distinguish gunfire from flat tire?” This is a part of a novel. The word `Jjam-bab` was originated from the army, but has become a term that everybody knows, even those who didn`t serve in the army. As for the definition, it refers to general group feeding or unsavory food, beyond its original meaning of `army food`. It is also frequently used as a word to define experience or career. For example if a person is indicated as `a man of Jjam-bab`, it presents that he has abundant experience in a certain field.

▷ However, the word `Jjam-bab` isn`t even listed in the dictionary. Its origin comes from the word `Jan-ban (food residue)` that means `remaining food after a meal`. It is similar to calling `Soju (rice wine)` `Sswe-ju`. Unlike recent times, soldiers in the army occasionally were unable to have meals properly due to lack of food. The amount of food was insufficient, and the same for nutrients. There were some soldiers who were unable to finish the meal in time since military discipline was severely tough and the eating time was restricted. Accordingly, some hungry soldiers dug up the `food residue container` without the knowledge of their seniors. These reasons were combined to call food in the army corps `Jjam-bab.`

▷ There isn`t any more conventional sense of `Jjam-bab` any more in the army. Various foods are provided in different corps, and they include mixed dish of Chinese noodles, fried rice, boiled rice with assorted mixtures, dry tangleweed, etc. Rather, the expression is commonly used to distinguish the rank among the enlisted men. A senior may gather the soldiers `by Jjam-bab`, or may punish the subordinates saying, `Where did your Jjam-bab all go? In the reverse way?` This is so-called `Jjam-bab` culture. Still in some corps, a senior soldier would covertly treat his subordinates harshly both physically and mentally.

▷ The ROK Army has brought out an integrated measures to exterminate such `Jjam-bab` culture to contribute to army life democratization, which is drawing public attention. It is said that no more impersonal acts will be allowed among soldiers, and there will be criminal punishment or disciplinary action given if any soldier violates. There were a few other similar measures so far such as banning assault and battery, but the same old traditional practice occurred repeatedly after some time. There should be thorough examination and inspection this time to prevent any more anticlimaxes, provided that the military discipline, heart of army life` should never be lax.

Editorial Writer

Young-eon Song

youngeon@donga.com