다문화 병사의 낙인과 고립 : 군 조직 갈등과 극단화 위험을 중심으로 = Stigma and Isolation of Multicultural Soldiers : Organizational Conflict and the Risk of Radicalization in the Military

다국어 초록 (Multilingual Abstract)

As the number of multicultural soldiers continues to increase due to the declining pool of conscripts, discrimination and exclusion against them remain a critical issue within the Korean military. Triggered by a multicultural soldier incident in 2025, this study explores the processes through which multicultural soldiers experience stigma, isolation, organizational conflict, and the potential risk of radicalization. A Focus Group Interview (FGI) was conducted with six experts, including specialists in multicultural studies, retired military officers, and professional counselors.
The analysis revealed three major findings. First, the isolation of multicultural soldiers originates from structural factors such as insufficient multicultural awareness among commanders and peers, ridicule based on appearance or language, and the lack of institutional support. Second, these experiences of exclusion intensified self-stigmatization and identity confusion, thereby increasing the likelihood of extreme or self-destructive behaviors. Third, the hierarchical and closed nature of the military organization amplified psychological vulnerability, resulting in weakened organizational cohesion. Based on these findings, this study proposes the following policy recommendations: (1) institutionalization of multicultural awareness training for military personnel, (2) reinforcement of community-based activities to foster inclusion, (3) expansion of psychological counseling and support systems, and (4) establishment of protective mechanisms for victims of discrimination. This study highlights that mitigating stigma and fostering an inclusive military culture are essential tasks for building a professional and diversity-respecting armed force.