Charles E Jefferson, an American congregational clergyman said in a quote “patriotism is a thing of the heart. A man is a patriot if his heart beats true to his country”. Even though Koreans are considered very patriotic, one of the ways their patriotism is put to test is through conscription (Mandatory military service).

About 85 countries of the world like Russia, China, Israel, Brazil, and more involve their citizens in conscription. Though it is mandated for everyone in some countries, gender-based in some, and might not be compulsory in some countries, South Korea is one of the countries where conscription is gender-based.

Military Service in Korea

The Republic of Korea started conscription in the year 1957. Male citizens between the ages of 18 and 35 are required to perform compulsory military service, while female citizens may join voluntarily.

Compared to conscription in some other countries, South Korea can be considered lenient in this aspect. Conscription is based on the country’s ‘Military Service Act’ Article 3 which states “every male of the Republic of Korea shall faithfully perform mandatory military service as prescribed by the constitution…”

 South Korean law requires a man to enlist for “first citizen service” as soon as he turns 18 and is required to undergo an impairment and disability evaluation to determine his eligibility for enrollment in the military. The outcome of the evaluation, his educational background, and his age will determine where he will be enlisted.

 The service type and length for each citizen are determined after evaluation by using grades. Grade 1-3 are those who are suitable and healthy enough for military service. They might be assigned to different military branches like the Army, the Navy, and the Marine Corps and they might serve for a year and nine months. Nonactive duty personnel also fall under these grades. They are divided into three categories according to their service year. Social workers who are obligated to do public services like working at the subway, local centers, etc. are to serve for a year and 9 months. Arts and sports personnel or industrial technical personnel are to serve for 2 years and 10 months and public health doctors, expert researchers, etc. are to serve for 3 years.

People who fall under grade four are unsuitable for military service. They are art personnel or sports athletes but this is no longer common because of uprisings among the people. Also, people with conscientious objections were only allowed to be exempted from compulsory military service starting in June 2018.

 South Korean government and the public are intolerant towards people who try to evade conscription. Since it is a test of patriotism, qualified men who have been caught trying to evade mandatory military service or receiving special treatment during the period of service are heavily reprimanded. People who have dual citizenship are required to choose their citizenship by 18 years of age. If they choose citizenship in other countries, they are considered to have deserted their country and they will be ineligible to gain a South Korean work visa until they turn 40 years. However, if they choose to be silent, or choose to retain both citizenship, they are required to complete the mandatory military service.

Of course, the service of Koreans to their nation is not free. They are entitled to salaries and benefits, these salaries and benefits vary over the years and differ according to position.

 Patriots are considered to be the backbone of the Nation, a nation without Patriots cannot stand.

As K-pop lovers, some people were devastated when our favorite BTS announced their enlistment in the army. Also, there were other times we experienced heartbreaks whenever any of our favorite K celebs enrolled for mandatory military service.

 Now that we know it is for the greater good, and to show loyalty to their country, we can happily accept the reality of military service. Right?

 Tell us what you think about mandatory military service in the comment section