South Korean court says US prison sentence can qualify man for military exemption

The man was born in South Korea, later moved to the US, and served 14 years in prison for robbery and aggravated assault.

After he returned to South Korea, officials said he should do alternative service, not receive an exemption.

A court ruled that a foreign prison sentence can count if the crime would also be a crime under South Korean law.

The ruling does not mean every person jailed abroad qualifies.