Politics · South Korea · 1 hr ago
South Korea plans to phase out military service exemptions for artists and athletes
South Korea plans to gradually end exemptions from compulsory military service for athletes and artists.
The issue has drawn attention after footballers were exempted following South Korea's victory at the Asian Games, prompting criticism from men who must serve.
The debate has also involved cases such as the K-pop group BTS.
Most South Korean men aged 18 to 35 must serve for 18 to 22 months, depending on their military branch.
In an initial phase, exemptions would be limited to athletes who win international competitions, while exemptions for each national traditional arts competition would be cut from three to one.
The Military Manpower Administration says it is working with the Defense Ministry on a proposal and expects a full study to be completed by late November.
Officials say changes could begin next year, but the broader plan will take time to complete.
South Korea’s Military Manpower Administration plans to gradually phase out military service exemptions for athletes and artists.
Commissioner Hong So Young said the agency is working with the Ministry of National Defense on a proposal to be presented soon.
In an initial phase, exemptions would be limited to athletes who have won international competitions.
The number of exemptions for each national traditional arts competition would be reduced from three to one.
The reform follows criticism of exemptions, including after South Korean footballers celebrated receiving them following a victory at the Asian Games.
- Who
- South Korea’s Military Manpower Administration, led by Commissioner Hong So Young, announced the plan.
- What
- The agency plans to gradually phase out military service exemptions for athletes and artists.
- When
- The announcement was made on Monday. A full study is expected to be completed by the end of November.
- Where
- South Korea.
- Why
- Exemptions have drawn criticism, including from young men required to serve and from public calls to change the system.
Young men required to serve
Athletes and artists eligible for exemptions
Exemptions
Young men required to serve
Some young men criticized footballers for celebrating exemptions after the national team’s Asian Games victory.
Athletes and artists eligible for exemptions
Athletes and artists have been able to receive exemptions under the existing system.
System changes
Young men required to serve
Young men have made public calls to modify the system.
Athletes and artists eligible for exemptions
The proposed changes would narrow eligibility and reduce some exemptions.
Several footballers celebrated receiving military service exemptions, prompting criticism.
The Military Manpower Administration announced a gradual phase-out of exemptions.
A full study of the changes is expected to be completed.
- Mandatory service
- 18 to 22 months, depending on the branch
- Initial athlete exemption rule
- Only athletes who have won international competitions
- Traditional arts exemptions
- Reduced from three to one per competition
- Expected study completion
- End of November
What people are saying
I deeply regret what happened. I take seriously the sense of loss felt by young people who fulfill their military obligations and the public calls to modify the system.
We cannot abolish the system overnight.
Sources
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