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Conscription in South Korea

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Conscription, or mandatory military service or compulsory national service, is legislated in South Korea, with military service stated as one of the Four Constitutional Duties (along with taxes, education, and labor) for all citizens. The current Conscription Law, however, applies only to males, aged between 18 and 35[1], although women are allowed to enroll in the Reserve Officer Training Corps as of 2010.[2]

Administration

It is administered by the Military Manpower Administration. There are two tiers of service: active duty or non-active duty service.[3] Length of service varies according to branches: 21 months for Army and Marine Corps, 23 months for Navy, 24 months for Air Force.[4] The non-active duty service, e.g. civil service or public service worker, is from 24 months to 36 months.

South Korea currently has among the longest military service periods in the world, ranked behind Israel and Singapore. In recent years, there has been pressure from and the public demanding either a shortening of the term or a switch to voluntary military service, and from experts calling for a gradual phasing out rather than complete abolition.[5] However in December 2010, after taking into consideration of the 2010 ROKS Cheonan sinking and Bombardment of Yeonpyeong incidents, the government confirmed that there will be no reduction of service periods.[4]

Exemptions

Current conscription laws stipulate that athletes who win medals in the Olympic Games or gold medals in the Asian Games are granted exemptions but still required to do four weeks of basic training.[1] For example the bronze medal winning football team of 2012 Summer Olympics.[6] In 2011, the Military Manpower Administration proposed amendments to exemptions, to included men who have not completed middle school and change to a points-based system on a prescribed scale for athletes who win in prestigious competitions. This is partly to address criticism for the easy exemptions and to recognise the privilege to be granted exemption to those who show steady performance.[7]

Compensation

The following data is from 'Regulation on Public Servant Compensation', implemented on 6 January 2012.[8] Exchange rate as of 8 June 2012 (₩1173.84 to $1.00)

이등병 (Private) 일등병 (Private first class) 상등병 (Corporal) 병장 (Sergeant)
₩81,500
$69.43 (approx) per month		 ₩88,200
$75.14 (approx) per month		 ₩97,500
$83.07 (approx) per month		 ₩108,000
$92.01 (approx) per month

Minimum wage in the Republic of Korea for year 2011 was 902,880 KRW per month for 40 hour work week and 976,320 KRW per month for 44 hour work week.[9] Thus, compensation given to conscriptees are lower than the minimum wage.

Equipment

The Department of Defense has revealed that it has failed to provide sneakers to 7,411 recruits who joined the military from 22 May to 4 June 2012, after the budget was insufficient for need. The Department originally projected the cost of each pair of sneakers to be 11,000 KRW However, the actual cost turned out to be 15,000 KRW.[10]

The office of National Assembly member Kim Kwang-jin of Democratic United Party revealed that cadets in Korea Military Academy were provided with sneakers worth 60,000 KRW and tennis shoes. Cadets in Korea Army Academy at Yeongcheon were provided with sneakers worth 64,250 KRW, in addition to running shoes and soccer shoes.[11]

Notable enlistments

2005-2009

  • So Ji-sub: February 2005 (24 months) - four weeks of basic training, followed by service as a public relations officer with the Mapo District Office in Seoul. Disacharged in 27 April 2007.[12]
  • Ji Sung: 7 June 2005 (24 months) - at the Nonsan military camp in Chungcheongnam-do Province followed by active duty with the army[13] and designated as public ambassador of military affairs. Discharged on 6 June 2007.[14]
  • Eric Mun of Shinhwa: October 2008 (24 months) - four weeks of basic training, followed by service as a public service worker. Disacharged in 30 October 2010.[18]
  • Jun Jin of Shinhwa: 22 October 2009 (24 months) - four weeks of basic training at the Nonsan military camp in Chungcheongnam-do Province, followed by public service work.[23] He was discharged on 14 November 2011,[24] after working at the Gangnam Management Corporation, managing the culture center’s fitness club and parking lot.[25]
  • Boom: 29 October 2009 (22 months) at a military training center in Gangwon-do Province.[26] He reported to the 102 Replacement Depot in Chuncheon for six weeks of basic training followed by 22 months of active duty. He was discharged on 22 August 2011.

2010

  • Lee Min-woo of Shinhwa: February 2010 (24 months) - four weeks of basic training followed by service as a public service officer in Seoul Station. Discharged on 2 March 2012.[29]
  • Lee Dong-gun: June 2010 (21 months) - active duty and was appointed Honorary Ambassador of Military.[16] He was discharged on 28 March 2012.[32]
  • Lee Wan: July 2010 (21 months) - active-duty soldier and was discharged on 23 April 2012.[35]
  • Mithra Jin of Epik High: 3 August 2010 (21 months) - active duty at the 102 reserve in Chuncheon, then served as an infantry rifle soldier, a member of the military band and a GOP soldier, and finally at the Defense Media Agency (DEMA). He was discharged by the Ministry of Defense in Yongsan-gu, Seoul on 14 May 2012.[36]
  • Kim Ji-hoon: October 2010 (21 months) - active-duty soldier and was discharged from army base at Yongsan-gu, Seoul on 12 July 2012.[37]

2011

  • Kim Jae-wook: 5 July 2011 (21 months) - five weeks of basic military training, followed by active duty.[39]

2012

  • Jay Kim of TRAX: 26 March 2012 - four weeks of basic military training in Busan and then continued to serve as a public service worker. He is due to be discharged in 2014.[46]
  • Kim Kyu-jong of SS501: 23 July - four weeks of basic training at the recruit training center of the 35th division in Jeonju, North Jeolla Province and continue to serve for two years; expected to be discharged in 2014.[49][50] Kim was originally exempted because he's a hepatitis B carrier, however since a changed in the law he is eligible to serve non-active duty as a public service worker. [51]
  • Ji Hyun-woo: 7 August - with the Chuncheon 102nd Reserve Forces. He was due to enlist in July but it was delayed for one month while he recovered from a back injury suffered during the filming of Queen In-Hyun's Man.[52]
  • Lee Hyun of 8Eight: 8 October - five weeks of basic training followed by duty as an active soldier for 21 months.[53]
  • Leeteuk of Super Junior: 30 October - five weeks of basic training at a training camp in Uijeongbu in Gyeonggi Province, followed by active duty for 21 months. He was initially ineligible for active duty following his car crash in 2007 and an aggravated herniated disk, but after receiving treatment he was able to enlist for active duty.[54]

Controversies

Those found or accused of draft dodging often face public backlash. According to Ha Jae-keun, a South Korean pop columnist, "The mood against draft dodgers is so hostile that nowadays entertainers feel it's better to simply get it over with".[41]

Steve Yoo

In 2002, right before Korean American pop singer Steve Yoo was due to be drafted for his military service, he gave up his Korean nationality and became a naturalized U.S. citizen. He was born in Seoul and migrated to the United States at the age of 13. The South Korean government considered it an act of desertion and deported him, banning him from entering the country permanently.[55]

Song Seung-heon

In late 2004, it was revealed that actor Song Seung-heon had avoided his draft by taking medication to fail the military physical examination. Song had previously been exempted by claiming to have severe diabetes and high blood pressure, but that was found by the South Korean government to be false.[56] Amidst press coverage and public outcry, Song publicly apologised and agreed to immediately serve his two-year term in the military. Song was discharged on 15 November 2006 with the rank of Corporal.[57][58]

MC Mong

On 11 April 2011, rapper MC Mong was cleared of intentionally pulling out healthy teeth to be exempted from military duty but was sentenced to a suspended jail term of 6 months, probation for one year, and 120 hours of community service, for deliberately delaying enlistment on false grounds.[59] The court acknowledged that there was a delay in his military enlistment, however, they were unable to determine whether he was guilty of extracting teeth for the purpose of avoiding his military draft. In September 2011, it was reported that Mong has been banned by Korean Broadcasting System (KBS) and Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) from appearing in its TV shows, for draft dodging.[60]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b "Banned South Korean earns military exemption". Reuters via thestar.com.my. 2012-08-24. Retrieved 2012-08-25.
  2. ^ "Women are showing keen interest in ROTC" Joongang Daily. 26 April 2011. Retrieved 2011-10-22
  3. ^ "Too Late for 'Toothless Rapper' to Join the Military" Chosun Ilbo. 29 June 2011. Retrieved 2011-10-14
  4. ^ a b "Plan to cut compulsory military service scrapped" Joongang Daily. 22 December 2010. Retrieved 2011-10-22
  5. ^ "Conscription 'Should Be Phased Out Slowly'". Chosun Ilbo. 6 July 2010. Retrieved 2 October 2012.
  6. ^ "Footballer to Be Spared Military Service Despite IOC Probe". Chosun Ilbo. 14 August 2012. Retrieved 2 October 2012.
  7. ^ "Military to Tighten Conscription Rules". Chosun Ilbo. 12 May 2011. Retrieved 2 October 2012.
  8. ^ "공무원보수규정 '별표 13' 군인의 봉급표(제5조 및 별표 1 관련)". Korea Ministry of Government Legislation (in Korean). Retrieved 8 June 2012.
  9. ^ 김, 봉규 (3 July 2010). "2011년 최저임금 4320원으로 결정". Pressian. Retrieved 4 August 2012.
  10. ^ 조, 기호 (18 July 2012). "운동화 한 켤레 못 주는 군(軍)!". Seoul Broadcasting System. Retrieved 4 August 2012.
  11. ^ "[보도자료] 예산 없다던 국방부, 사관생도에게는 고가 외국브랜드 운동화 지급". Retrieved 4 August 2012.
  12. ^ "Actor Donates 10 Mil.Won". Korea Times. 24 April 2007. Retrieved 2012-07-06.
  13. ^ "Ji Sung Joins Army" KBS Global. 8 June 2005. Retrieved 2011-11-11
  14. ^ "Actor Ji Sung Becomes Military's Ambassador". The Korea Times, 1 February 2006. Retrieved 2011-11-11. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  15. ^ "불량커플 하차한 서지석, 29일(오늘) 입대" MyDaily. 29 May 2007. Retrieved 2012-04-11 Template:Ko icon
  16. ^ a b c Oh, MiJung "Rain Appointed Honorary Ambassador of Military" CJ E&M enewsWorld. 11 April 2012. Retrieved 2012-04-11
  17. ^ "군 제대 서지석, 韓日 팬 초대 '제대환영회' 개최" MyDaily. 29 April 2009. Retrieved 2012-04-11 Template:Ko icon
  18. ^ Choi Jun-yong "Shinhwa Eric discharged from military" 10 Asia. 1 November 2010. Retrieved 2012-04-05
  19. ^ "Boot camp beckons for boy band balladeer" Joongang Daily. 19 November 2008. Retrieved 2011-11-08
  20. ^ "Shinhwa singer discharged" Joongang Daily. 9 December 2010. Retrieved 2011-11-08
  21. ^ "Zo completes military service" Joongang Daily. 6 May 2011. Retrieved 2011-10-22
  22. ^ "Lee Jin-wook Completes Military Service" Chosun Ilbo. 8 March 2011. Retrieved 2011-10-14
  23. ^ Park So-yoen "Fans from Asia see off Jun Jin to army" 10 Asia. 22 October 2009. Retrieved 2011-11-11
  24. ^ Kim, Jessica "Jun Jin to be discharged from military next week" 10 Asia. 11 November 2011. Retrieved 2011-11-11
  25. ^ Oh, MiJung "Jun Jin Released from Public Service" Mnet News. 14 November 2011. Retrieved 2012-04-01
  26. ^ Sung-Ki, Park (29 October 2009). "Super Junior Lee Teuk sheds tears seeing off Boom". Asiae. Retrieved 25 April 2012.
  27. ^ "Singer Andy to Start Military Service" Chosun Ilbo. 5 January 2010. Retrieved 2011-11-05
  28. ^ "Andy of the group Shinhwa speak to fans after completing his mandatory military service in Yongsan, Seoul on Monday" Chosun Ilbo. 1 November 2011. Retrieved 2011-11-05
  29. ^ Choi, EunHwa "Lee Min Woo’s Release on March 2 to Mark the Comeback of Shinhwa" Mnet. 28 February 2012. Retrieved 2012-03-10
  30. ^ "Lee Jun-ki to Start Military Service". The Chosun Ilbo. 30 April 2010. Retrieved 2010-12-24.
  31. ^ "Actor Lee Jun-ki Ready for Comeback After Military Service" The Chosun Ilbo. 17 February 2012. Retrieved 2012-02-21
  32. ^ "Lee Dong-gun Completes Military Service" Chosun Ilbo. 29 March 2012. Retrieved 2012-03-30
  33. ^ "Kang-in enters military, bidding farewell to bandmates and fans" Asiae. 6 July 2010. Retrieved 2012-03-21
  34. ^ Kim, JiYeon "Super Junior’s Kangin Released from Army" CJ E&M enewsWorld. 16 April 2012. Retrieved 2012-04-16
  35. ^ Hong, Lucia (23 April 2012). "Lee Wan to be discharged from military today". Retrieved 7 May 2012.
  36. ^ Oh, MiJung (14 May 2012). "Epik High's Mithra Jin Released from Army". Mnet News. Retrieved 16 May 2012.
  37. ^ Sunwoo, Carla (12 July 2012). "Kim Ji-hun to be discharged from Army". Joongang Daily. Retrieved 23 July 2012.
  38. ^ "Hyun Bin joins Marine Corps" Korea Times. 7 March 2011. Retrieved 2011-10-14
  39. ^ Template:Ko icon "'군입대' 김재욱, 짧은머리 2년후 정신차려올게요" Nate News. 5 July 2011. Retrieved 2012-03-10
  40. ^ "Super Junior’s Kim Hee-chul makes plans to be a military man" Joongang Daily. 23 August 2011. Retrieved 2011-10-22
  41. ^ a b "South Korean singer Rain reports for military service" BBC News. 11 October 2011. Retrieved 2011-10-14
  42. ^ "Teardrops Fall as Rain Enlists in Army" Chosun Ilbo. 12 October 2011. Retrieved 2011-10-13
  43. ^ "Hwanhee to enter military on Oct 27" 10 Asia. 17 October 2011. Retrieved 2011-10-22
  44. ^ Kim, JiYeon "Wheesung Joins the Army" Mnet News. 7 November 2011. Retrieved 2012-04-01
  45. ^ "SB Wannabe's Kim Enters Boot Camp" Chosun Ilbo. 17 February 2012. Retrieved 2011-02-21
  46. ^ Hong, Lucia (22 March 2012). "TRAX Jay to enter military next week". 10 Asia. Retrieved 7 May 2012.
  47. ^ Sunwoo, Carla (30 May 2012). "Lee Jun-hyuk bids farewell, for now". Joongang Daily. Retrieved 24 June 2012.
  48. ^ Hong, Lucia (13 June 2012). "Lee Jun-hyuk bids farewell to fans to begin military duties next week". 10 Asia. Retrieved 10 August 2012.
  49. ^ "SS501's Kim Bids Fans Teary Farewell Before Enlisting". Chosun Ilbo. 5 June 2012. Retrieved 11 June 2012.
  50. ^ Kim, JiYeon. "SS501′s Kim Kyu Jong to Enlist in July". enewsWorld. CJ E&M. Retrieved 11 June 2012.
  51. ^ "SS501′s Kim Kyu Jong joins the army on July 23". Star News. 2 July 2012. Retrieved 4 July 2012.
  52. ^ Kim, Byung Kwan (7 August 2012). "Ji Hyun Woo Looks Happy As He Enlists In Army". enewsWorld. CJ E&M. Retrieved 29 September 2012.
  53. ^ Sunwoo, Carla (26 September 2012). "8eight's Lee Hyun to enter the Army on Oct. 8". Joongang Daily. Retrieved 2 October 2012.
  54. ^ Jeon, Su Mi (25 September 2012). "Super Junior′s Leeteuk to Enlist on October 30". enewsWorld. CJ E&M. Retrieved 26 September 2012.
  55. ^ Seo, Ji-eun "Steve Yoo isn’t coming back to Korea" Joongang Daily. 20 October 2011. retrieved 2011-11-08
  56. ^ Template:Ko icon "최지우, '승헌이에게 말 걸어볼까?" SSTV. 30 June 2009. Retrieved 2011-11-06
  57. ^ "Song Seung-heon, Jang Hyeok Discharged from Military" HanCinema. 16 November 2011. Retrieved 2011-10-14
  58. ^ Template:Ko icon "Song Seung-heon discharged from the army" Yahoo News Korea, 2006-11-18.[dead link‍]
  59. ^ "Rapper Gets Suspended Jail Term for Draft Dodging" Chosun Ilbo. 12 April 2011. Retrieved 2011-10-14
  60. ^ "KBS, MBC release list of 36 banned entertainers" Dong-A Ilbo. 28 September 2011. 2011-10-14
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