How bad is korean military service. While mandatory service is .
How bad is korean military service. May 21, 2025 · Young South Korean draftees in Netflix’s drama D. Apr 19, 2023 · With the highly influential and internationally famous Korean music group BTS (방탄소년단) answering the call of South Korea's military draft, many Korean and international eyes turn to the government to see their response to the rising levels of discontent the public is exhibiting towards the Military Service Act. [6][7] According to Jan 5, 2025 · You are wondering why do Koreans have to go to the military? We explain you here why the military service is mandatory in South Korea. Just looking at the news related to the Korean military meal will make you shudder. “People sleep peacefully in their beds because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf. When I learned that I might have to go to the military, I felt pretty content because I had also been drawn to the military ever since I was young. The role and significance of male conscription and the military establishment in South Korean An I-fan hates the military, and they're on the right side of history of course, so their faves should also hate the military, right? (You could substitute "military" with anything else, really. However, the mandatory military service peri Jan 10, 2024 · South Korean Military Conscription As an able-bodied man between the ages 18 – 28 born in South Korea, one is obligated to serve military service for a minimum of 18 months, up to 21 months (… Hazing in the Republic of Korea Armed Forces Enlistment ceremony for conscripts at the Korea Army Training Center in South Korea Hazing in the Republic of Korea Armed Forces refers to the widespread hazing and bullying carried out among military personnel, often to conscripts and junior members in South Korea. Dec 12, 2019 · Now, military service is pushing them away. Compared with other developed countries , the salary level of South Korean soldiers is significantly lower, and it is even difficult to meet basic living needs. 2012 Olympics South Korea Men’s Football Team. Many say time goes by way too slowly in the military. Tattoos are considered a form of body modification, which is not allowed in the military. You will learn a lot about people. By Minjae Shin. Welcome to everyone, including native Koreans, Korean diaspora, and foreigners. Article 39 of the Constitution of the Republic of Korea states, “All citizens shall Korean soldiers are said to await their discharge from the very moment of enlistment. This conscription system, commonly known as “Korean National Service,” was introduced in the 1950s and is aimed at bolstering the country’s defense capabilities The basis for military conscription in South Korea is the Constitution of the Republic of Korea, which was promulgated on 17 July 1948. The length of service, which can be up to 21 months, also adds to the difficulty of completing the mandatory requirement. While mandatory service is Oct 17, 2021 · South Korea, a country still technically at war with the North, is rethinking the draft. How Bad is Korean Military Service? Commonly seen as a rite of passage for South Korean men, mandatory military service is as integral to the country’s fabric of life as it is controversial. (i'm american military in korea) ROKA = republic of korea army roka guys have it pretty difficult. ----------------------------------------------------- 00:00 Intro 00:31 Q1. ) In doing so they completely disregard that Korea is a totally different culture that might look differently at these kind of things. However, is it because of the anxiety of being out of the public’s eye while serving? The controversy over avoiding military service is recurring more than ever. South Korea requires all of its male citizens to serve in the military for two years. Since ROK regulations about compulsory military service and dual citizenship can be complex, we encourage you to contact the Republic of Korea Embassy in Washington or your nearest Republic of Korea consulate general with your questions about ROK-U. So let me tell you an insider's experience on South Korean military service. Therefore, it shows an anachronism, and because of this, Korea's military service system is Dec 1, 2021 · What happens in Korean Mandatory Military Service (told by Korean male) Kelsey the Korean 147K subscribers 6. Using an event study design, we use the conscription years to identify the effect the military service has on soldiers' physical health as well as on their smoking and drinking behavior. Why Korean males need to enlist. While the experience can be tough, it is also an important part of Korean culture and society. How Sep 2, 2022 · In return for being exempted from military service, South Korea’s conscientious objectors are expected to work in the country’s prison system. Till this day, they are the only South Korean football team to get past the quarter-final stage and get a podium finish, a testament to their talent and the hard work they Mar 24, 2023 · South Korean officials are considering a conscription exemption for men who have three or more children before they turn 30, in an effort to boost the birth rate. If you have a big surgery like scoliosis correction Feb 20, 2025 · Terrible military diet The food in the South Korean army is so bad that it can be called "unique" . Recruitment is done on the basis of annual Jun 14, 2019 · South Korean military service is often regarded as a right of passage for men in Korea. Kor. 27 votes, 26 comments. Let's find out what are the conditions for special Jan 25, 2024 · Military service is seen as a rite of passage for Korean men, but many conscripts also view it as lost time, given they have to suspend their career or education to take part. 3 whole years! We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. MILITARY SERVICE IN SOUTH KOREA Military service age and obligation: 18-28 years of age for compulsory military service. . In addition to military service , reserve troops are exempted, and only civil defense training is required. May 23, 2023 · These alternative service options still require rigorous qualification tests and come with their own specific time commitments. Despite the profound changes and development of the Korean military during the war, the impact of the war on the military has not been carefully examined. Jul 18, 2025 · A document addressing issues related to military service obligations in the Republic of Korea . In April 21, a South Korean soldier posted a photo of the army's food on the social platform Facebook , which instantly sparked heated discussions. In other words, the Korean War was a painful catalyst for the development of a strong Korean military. P. I am korean. The Korean military is bad in that all militaries are pretty bad. I just watched D. KATUSA = Korean Augmentee to The United States Army. Abuse within South Korea’s military ranks has long been a problem. Nov 8, 2023 · One respondent pointed to the higher salaries of men and their ability to bond with other workers as demonstrating the value of military service. How is the Military in South Korea and how does it work to maintain Sucity and fight terrorism? In terms of Military and security forces, we have the Armed Forces of the Republic of Korea: Republic of Korea Army (ROKA), Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN, includes Marine Corps, ROKMC), Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF)<br><br>Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries: Korea Coast Guard; Ministry It’s hard to take compulsory military service seriously when it’s only mandated for one specific gender in the population. With ongoing tensions on the Korean Peninsula, the country has maintained a mandatory conscription policy to ensure its national security. Read more to get informed! 1. basically, they're korean's who serve their mandatory service with american military. In South Korea, the issue of “military service evasion (병역 기피)” has always been a hot topic. Oct 23, 2023 · South Korea is considering expanding mandatory military conscription to include North Korean defectors and orphans, as the country grapples with growing manpower shortages. Jul 24, 2024 · South Korea allows tattoos for military personnel, but only licensed medical practitioners can open tattoo parlors. Sep 4, 2021 · The show reminded me of all the corrupt, unfair, and plain wrong things that I, too, personally experienced while serving my military duty back in the day. 846K subscribers in the korea community. Many South Koreans take big pride in having served their country; in most cases, a young Korean boy is considered to truly have become a “man” after they enlist. soldiers serving in the country can now wear a protective mask while in uniform. It felt like the perfect combination, protect my homeland which I love and Mar 13, 2025 · South Korea’s model of military service has failed to act as a bridge between the military and society, instead reinforcing divisions that now threaten political stability itself. Footage courtesy of Goyang TV, 201 Jun 15, 2025 · What’s behind the smiles? A must-read traveler’s guide to South Korea mandatory military service: how long and why it causes deep anxiety. This comprehensive guide covers the duration, requirements, and implications for those serving, ensuring you have all the essential information at your fingertips. Jul 16, 2022 · YouTube channel Seoulite TV talks about three times that idols have suffered invasions of their privacy during their military service. Here’s what you need to know about when Korean men enlist. Aug 1, 2025 · Military service in South Korea is the compulsory participation of able-bodied citizens in active duty enlistment. Dec 23, 2023 · Korean military service is known for its strict discipline and demanding physical training, making it a challenging experience for many young men. Only 1 out of 20 friends of mine had major injuries. Children of the political elites are exempt from conscription, as are people with bad songbun (ascribed social status in North Korea). 5 days ago · In addition to the various problems within the military, the treatment of South Korean soldiers is far below people's expectations. Almost all South Korean men serve in the country's armed forces for two years. The constitution states in Article 39, "All citizens shall have the duty of national defense under the conditions as prescribed by Act. A recent survey of soldiers revealed about 4,000 allegations of violence that went unreported. Feb 24, 2025 · A special series from the Migration Research Group of the School of Sociology, Politics and International Studies at the University of Bristol. Korean Hygiene Habits: One of the bad facts about South korea Mar 17, 2009 · Talking about Korean military as a draft dodger is a tricky business, because a lot of emotions on the part of Korean men ride on the military service. In South Korea, military service is compulsory and often seen as a mark of success in a society dominated by the threat of an aggressive North Korean neighbour. Previously, The Korea Herald reported back in 2021 that young Korean men supported universal conscription because it was unfair that men were forced to halt their careers for military service. If you are a type of person who watches NASCAR only for the slight chance of a spectacular crash, this may be the post for you. A rite of passage for millions of young men since the Korean War, the country’s military conscription Oct 8, 2021 · These are scenes from the Netflix series DP, a South Korean drama which has generated buzz for exposing the dark side of the country's mandatory military service since launching on the platform. #korea #armymore May 31, 2023 · How does mandatory military service affect Korean men and society? As the requirement for Korean men to enlist in the military is typically right after graduating from high school, people take their conscription as a sign of “growing up. Here's what that experience is like. ], Case on Alternative Military Service, 2021Hun-Ma117, 30 May 2024 [in Korean]. A subreddit for news, culture, and life on the Korean Peninsula. 1. An executive at a global tech company, he was informed in 2019 – after almost five years of living in South Korea – that he was required to serve. DON’T GO. Most bad things happened in the army. Other reform measures include raising the proportion of female service members and decreasing the number of generals with one to four stars. Military service is mandatory in South Korea (hereafter Korea). Conscription in North Korea occurs despite ambiguity concerning its legal status. Return to the Series introduction How Bad is Korean Military Service? Commonly seen as a rite of passage for South Korean men, mandatory military service is as integral to the country’s fabric of life as it is controversial. For almost 70 years, South Korea has upheld the principle of universal male conscription, and the military has been a potent force in post-war South Korean political, economic, and social development. | Joint Reporting Team/ SE Daily Dec 2, 2024 · Mandatory military service is a rite of passage for most Korean men. Nov 3, 2023 · Serving in the military is inevitable and mandatory for any Korean man who reaches their 20s. " [4][5] In addition, the conscription is defined and acted by the "Military Service Act" (병역법). Today, I asked Korean men what they actually think about mandatory military service. ) [in Korean]. We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. Men are universally conscripted while women undergo selective conscription. It's a form of alternate service for which you'll serve 36 months at a government-recognized research lab whether that's in a university or a small to medium sized company We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. 18-26 years of age for voluntary military service. South Korea intends to reduce the length of Dec 6, 2024 · Discover everything you need to know about how long is Korean military service. There’s no way out of it once you enlist, and there’s virtually zero benefit unless you are planning to get a highly competitive job in Korea before turning 35. A Jul 26, 2018 · Some countries impose mandatory military service even today. The minimum conscript service obligation varies according to service: A) 21 months for the Army and Marines); B) 23 months for the Navy; and C) 24 months for the Air Force). Life After Service Returning to civilian life after military service involves both opportunities and challenges for South Korean men. Very vertical structure (and you're at the bottom unless you "volunteer" as an NCO or officer instead), very closed off from society so people feel free to treat others badly, and you will be tested physically, emotionally, and mentally as you adapt to your new "job/home/family". Despite having a lot of conversation about our favorite idols going to serve in the military, not many know about the stories behind the gates. My Korean is quite bad in my opinion because I have a pretty short vocabulary and my grammar is poor though I can hold simple conversations. Other activities involving this service are social work, research, full-time reserve enlistment and conscription, and industrial technical personnel, to name a few. Among which are North Korea, which extends its 10-year military conscription last 2014; Myanmar, which requires the drafting of men and women into its armed forces; and South Korea, which imposes compulsory national service for all its citizens. Photo credit: The Korea Herald [Cropped] The 18-man team won the bronze medal in The London 2012 Summer Olympics and was granted an exemption from mandatory military service. How bad is Korean military service? Although it’s an opportunity for personal growth and making new friends, conscription also has potential problems, such as bullying, hazing, and even sexual assaults. But unit of the Korean military has decided that military service could be something so much more than that. Welcome to everyone… To be fair tho, the K dramas like DP really exaggerate some parts but mostly ex korean military service members will probably agree that the korean military really does have useless regulations and restrictions to “protect conscripts from themselves”. This article provides a detailed and neutral overview of military service in South Korea, addressing its historical, legal, social, and contemporary aspects There's also the option of military research agent (전문연구요원) for those with a master's degree in the STEM fields (석사 전문연구요원) or currently pursuing a Korean STEM PhD (박사 전문연구요원). U. Our results show that the compulsory We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. P and then Military Prosecutor Doberman and I’m fascinated by it all, so I wanted to get a more realistic first hand account of military life here. And only 4 guys suffered from depression. Oct 9, 2016 · Mandatory military service in Korea is regarded universally as a wearisome and duty for men which sets them back by a few years in the race to find a job in this age of competition. For almost 70 years, South Korea has upheld the principle of universal male conscription, and the military has been a potent force in postwar South Korean political, economic, and social development. For context, I was born in South Korea but promptly moved to Canada soon after. ” George Orwell Park Kyung Hoon (박경훈), Park Inu (박인우), an Jan 26, 2024 · The general in charge of the frontline unit stressed the “sacred duty” of South Korean men to guard the nation against the threat of nuclear-armed North Korea. Virtually all other rich Feb 18, 2025 · South Korean male athletes are obliged to serve in the military, so their careers may have to be cut off or given up. The role and significance of male conscription and For Heaven’s sake. Upside of service is that you can meet and live with random people. roka guys never leave post May 22, 2025 · Regarding investments by Korean companies, he cited a new partnership signed that day between Samsung C&T and the Qatar Free Zones Authority for renewable energy and data center projects. to be “PTSD-triggering,” these men have unanimously agreed that the show’s depiction of Korean military service is bone-chillingly hyperrealistic. Jun 23, 2025 · All seven members of the K-pop group enlisted in the South Korean military, and have officially completed their service. Over the past ten years, one of the main concerns of the Republic of Korea Armed Forces (hereafter ‘Korean military’) is the integration of the country’s so-called Feb 2, 2024 · As South Korea faces a military manpower shortage due to its low birth rate issue, opinions have emerged suggesting the recruitment of women or the male individuals aged 55 to 75 to fill the gap. Sep 23, 2014 · Life inside the South Korean army is so brutal, some people have surgery to damage body parts in order to avoid it. Daily updates of everything that you need know about what is going on in the military community and abroad including military gear and equipment, breaking news, international news and more. One high-value Korean-American laid out his misery in a social media post obtained by Asia Times. Whether these public figures fulfill their military service obligations can spark social debate Jun 10, 2025 · K-pop superstars RM and V are the latest members of BTS to be discharged from South Korea’s military after fulfilling their mandatory service. What is the mandatory military service requirement in South Korea? The mandatory military service requirement in South Korea currently stands at 18 to 21 months for all able-bodied male citizens between the ages of 18 and 28. [2] Constitutional Court of Korea [Const. When the Military Service Act was first enacted, everyone including those in the Army, Navy, and Air Force all had to serve for 36 months. 5 days ago · Wartime Labor Service is a kind of Korean military service, and it refers to the number of people who are not drafted in normal times and are convened in the exhibition . that's lie. Violating the military service act by dodging the draft or I’m not Korean, just an avid Kdrama watcher like the rest of the western world. VIXX’s Ravi attending trial. In this paper, we investigate whether the military service affects the health of draftees. All Korean men between the ages of 18 and 35 are required to perform military service. In a 2021 policy study report released for the first time earlier this month, the Military Manpower Administration (MMA) indicated that it is exploring the possibility due to the impact of record-low […] Mar 15, 2024 · Abstract Can mandatory military service increase confidence in the state across the population when only men are required to serve? To answer this question, we leverage the case of South Korea to examine how male-only conscription influences trust toward a critical state institution, the military. Military service is a fundamental institution in South Korea, influencing many aspects of society. It looks so shabby that even a puppy would probably shake his The majority of my life has been in the Philippines and my best language is English (most likely). Do not feel bad. 7K 67K views 6 years ago #army #korea A detailed breakdown of the Korean military enlistment system. Ct. The Nov 4, 2022 · Here are six facts that will shed light on the relevance of enlistment or conscription, as it is sometimes called. katusa guys have it way easier in terms of quality of life. and I fulfilled my duty of military service. S. Two years on, two of seven members, Jin and J-Hope, have completed their military term, while the rest—RM, Suga, Jimin, V, and Jungkook Dec 16, 2020 · All able-bodied South Korean men must carry out compulsory military service for about two years in a country that faces North Korea across a heavily fortified border. Instances like conglomerate heirs and celebrities engaging in “birth tourism (원정출산)” or athletes receiving preferential treatment in military service often draw significant attention. Conscription takes place at age 17 and service ends at 30. But downsides of military service at the army are definitely overblown. Nov 16, 2024 · Korean military service is a challenging and demanding experience that requires physical and mental toughness. Sep 7, 2018 · Reforming South Korea’s military service system is a political can of worms with few clear options. Feb 1, 2017 · Abstract For almost 70 years, South Korea has upheld the principle of universal male conscription, and the military has been a potent force in post-war South Korean political, economic, and social development. ” Jul 6, 2020 · Our Korean military law attorney explains the overseas travel permit and the military service duty that may affect the overseas Korean immigrants. Interesting, is this strictly a South Korea thing or did you come across similar stories for Japan’s military for example? We treated each other like crap in the Marine Corps but can’t even imagine how harmful and demoralizing military cultures like that can be. (Associated Press) The South Korean Jun 1, 2023 · Almost all South Korean men serve in the country's armed forces for two years. With complaints of the act being outdated, unequal, and targeting certain 786K subscribers 2. Nov 7, 2022 · Korean social media posts have repeatedly shared a false claim that South Korean men are exempted from mandatory military service if they reside in Daeseong-dong -- a village located within the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) between North and South Korea -- for a period of one year and eight months. Sep 5, 2023 · In South Korea, a country that faces an existential threat from North Korea and technically remains in a state of war, every able-bodied male citizen is legally required to complete military service for a minimum of 18 months between the ages of 18 and 35. Those who have enlisted between the years of as early Mar 18, 2021 · However, in Korea, it’s mandatory for men between the ages of 18-35 to enlist in 21 months of military service. I could go on for days talking how bad Korea’s mandatory military service is, but for your well-being, do not even think about it. Take a look inside. 4K 173K views 3 years ago #koreanmilitary May 9, 2011 · I can only comment on what i've learned from asking my KATUSA friends. Yoon Seung-joo, 20, died earlier this year after being force-fed and beaten. However, if they win a medal in the Olympics and Asian Games, they will be able to complete their mandatory military service with only four weeks of military training and continue their careers without a break in their careers. Apr 2, 2019 · Seoul, South Korea's capital, is cloaked in a dangerous layer of smog. As of now, I am a Korean citizen so I do have to take the mandatory military service and I am willing to Jun 30, 2020 · A notice for an application for alternative service is seen on a partition at a Seoul branch of the Military Manpower Administration (MMA), Tuesday, when it opened up applications for May 22, 2025 · SEOUL — Six South Korean soldiers have been accused of killing one of their fellow conscripts. Recruits are subjected to rigorous training, harsh living conditions, and strict discipline, which can be mentally and physically exhausting. Nov 1, 2023 · The mandatory military obligation that all men in Korea have is equally applicable to celebrities. Abandoning mandatory military service in favour of an expanded volunteer professional service would serve national security aims, but at the same time, would not serve nation building aims. # Mar 5, 2025 · BTS members' enlistment in the South Korean military was one of the widely debated topics in South Korea before the globally popular boy band announced a hiatus in 2022 to pursue their individual activities, which included enlisting in the mandatory service. Despite this, I have lived very patriotically and I can confidently say I love Korea dearly. The food in the photo is either the same old kimchi seaweed or the bland radish tofu. The power of Korean passport? LMAO. Korean males are required to perform compulsory military service to strengthen South Korea’s active military force to be ready against any sudden attacks. In the military service judgment test, it is set to level 5. – Netflix Still technically at war with North Korea and suffering from a declining birthrate that has led to a deficit of voluntary conscripts, South Korea has maintained its compulsory military service of 18 to 21 months for all able-bodied men between the ages of 18 and 28. citizenship and military conscription. So it's not a big problem. Nov 18, 2024 · The Constitutional Appeal Against the Military Service Law Article 88 Section 1 Clause 1, 2008Hun-Ka22, 30 August 2011 (S. However, public opinion in Korea remains divided on these proposals, and debates surrounding military service are expected to continue. Within the society, the military became the most Westernized and influential institution. The current military service system in the Republic of Korea is based on a conscription system that forces individuals to be called up as military personnel, ignoring their intention and will to serve . — Korean Citizen Dubbing D. Doesn’t sound like an urgent need for it if you’re leaving out huge portions of your population. Crying isn't bad and if anything it can help with pent-up stress! I am not Korean nor do I know much about the process of the Korean Military but in my personal opinion, I think you should be honest with the Military so they don't assign you wrong. It’s a time that almost all South Korean men dread. xqqnpchiopumahccqqecyajvdsarrjxrauyhnglmuguphxwvqjpqzvrpos