Defense Ministry bans golfing, boozing

The South Korean military has once again forbidden all serviced members from playing golf and drinking following the latest execution in North Korea, Defense Ministry sources said on Saturday. 

Officials said while the announcement had not been made public, such a message has been passed on throughout the military in order to keep vigilant.
In particular, the ministry ordered the staff to stay out of trouble at year-end parties and other festivities. 

“Exactly when the ban will be lifted has yet to be announced,” said one ministry official, declining to be identified. 

Golfing had been banned at the South Korean military in February this year when North Korea conducted its third nuclear test. The ban was lifted in June.  

The Defense Ministry had upped its vigilance against North Korea this week following reports that Jang Song-thaek, once the second-most powerful man in the North and uncle to leader Kim Jong-un, has been executed for treason on Thursday.

So far, the North Korean Army has yet to show signs of provocation, the ministry added.

By Kim Ji-hyun 

(jemmie@heraldcorp.com)