{"id":2202514,"date":"2023-10-18T17:00:29","date_gmt":"2023-10-18T08:00:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/koreapro.org\/?p=2202514"},"modified":"2023-10-19T17:25:20","modified_gmt":"2023-10-19T08:25:20","slug":"south-korea-debates-equity-of-military-exemption-for-elite-athletes-and-artists","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/koreapro.org\/2023\/10\/south-korea-debates-equity-of-military-exemption-for-elite-athletes-and-artists\/","title":{"rendered":"South Korea debates equity of military exemption for elite athletes and artists"},"content":{"rendered":"

Clauses<\/span><\/a> in South Korea\u2019s <\/span>Military Service Act<\/span><\/a>, entrenched since 1973, which reward internationally successful athletes and classical musicians with an alternative to conventional military service, have come under critical scrutiny.<\/span><\/p>\n

This policy, although designed to foster talents who elevate the country\u2019s global standing, is now contending with societal shifts and pressing demographic challenges, notably the country\u2019s declining birthrate impacting the number of South Korean military personnel.<\/span><\/p>\n

The recent inclusion of e-sports champions in the exemption category, following South Korea\u2019s gold-medal triumph at the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games, has reignited public discourse, revealing deep-seated divisions.<\/span><\/p>\n

Critics argue the law\u2019s outdated criteria, evident in its unequal treatment of classical musicians versus K-pop artists and the strategic selection of athletes with pending military service to secure exemptions, underscore the need for a comprehensive overhaul.<\/span><\/p>\n

Further, the emotional toll of mandatory service, described as a \u201cphysically and psychologically demanding burden\u201d by many, heightens the sensitivity of any discourse involving exemption. As military service remains a delicate yet integral aspect of South Korean society, the debate extends beyond legal amendments, urging a reevaluation of what constitutes \u201cnational prestige\u201d and \u201cfairness\u201d in contemporary culture.<\/span><\/p>\n

MILITARY STAFFING CHALLENGES<\/b><\/p>\n

The current structure of South Korea\u2019s military exemption program offers an <\/span>alternative path<\/span><\/a>, specifically for distinguished athletes and classical musicians, rather than a complete exemption. This system requires qualified individuals to serve as \u201cart and athletic agents\u201d for more than two years after completing three weeks of mandatory basic military training. The artists and athletes granted are required to perform <\/span>544 hours<\/span><\/a> of voluntary work during this period, in order to fulfil their duties. For regular conscripts serving in the ROK Army, the service period stands as 18 months, while for Navy and Air Force regulars the period is from 20 to 22 months.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The conversation surrounding the scheme’s relevance resurged following South Korea\u2019s notable performance at the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games, particularly after the country\u2019s e-sports team clinched a gold medal in the \u201cLeague of Legends\u201d event, triggering the application of the exemption to gamers for the first time.<\/span><\/p>\n

This development, coupled with the traditional sports teams\u2019 successes, brought the total gold medals for South Korea to 42, drawing increased <\/span>legislative attention<\/span><\/a> to the exemption\u2019s scope and application.<\/span><\/p>\n

During a recent audit at the National Assembly, lawmakers <\/span>questioned<\/span><\/a> the scheme\u2019s fairness and impact on military staffing, especially in light of the nation\u2019s falling birth rates. A notable concern presented by a PPP lawmaker highlighted a growing trend: national teams potentially favoring athletes not yet conscripted into the military, aiming to leverage the exemption clause.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Addressing the legislative inquiry, Lee Ki-shik, the head of the Military Manpower Administration (MMA), <\/span>acknowledged<\/span><\/a> the imperative of reevaluating the existing conscription framework and committed to ensuring that any revisions would honor the program\u2019s intent.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"

Team Korea\u2019s e-sports players compete at the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games, Sept. 29, 2023 | Image: Hangzhou Asian Games via Twitter<\/a><\/em><\/p><\/div>\n

REASSESSING EXEMPTIONS<\/b><\/p>\n

Since its establishment in 1973, South Korea\u2019s military exemption law has facilitated the international success of numerous athletes and musicians.<\/span><\/p>\n

High-profile beneficiaries of this policy include soccer player <\/span>Son Heung-min<\/span><\/a>, who secured his exemption through a gold medal victory at the 2018 Asian Games, and classical pianists <\/span>Cho Seong-jin<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>Lim Yun-chan<\/span><\/a>, both exempted following prestigious international competition wins.<\/span><\/p>\n

However, <\/span>public discourse<\/span><\/a> has grown louder in recent years regarding military exemptions for globally recognized figures, such as the members of the chart-topping K-pop group BTS, based on its significant contribution to South Korea\u2019s \u201cnational prestige.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Although a 2022 announcement from the group\u2019s management company, BigHit Entertainment, confirmed the members\u2019 enlistment plans, the discussion highlighted broader societal debates about the law\u2019s equity and relevance.<\/span><\/p>\n

Expert opinions and former enlistees spoke to <\/span>Korea Pro<\/span><\/i>, indicating a pressing need for revision in line with contemporary societal values.<\/span><\/p>\n

Shin Ho-su, a former serviceman and aspiring violinist, criticized the lack of transparency and fairness in the selection process for classical musicians\u2019 exemptions. He noted the discrepancy between the <\/span>fixed list<\/span><\/a> of qualifying competitions for musicians and the more flexible criteria for athletes.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe number of categories in the Asian Games and Olympics is growing, but the list of music competitions that qualify for exemption hasn\u2019t changed,\u201d Shin told <\/span>Korea Pro<\/span><\/i>. \u201cThere needs to be clearer criteria in choosing these qualifying competitions.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Similarly, Choi Eun-kyung, a political economy professor at Hanshin University, advocated for inclusive and comprehensive discussions to reassess the current exemption criteria.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt is important to move beyond simple for-or-against stances. Instead, we must comprehensively review existing systems and open dialogues across different fields to properly assess our societal structures\u2019 strengths, weaknesses and potential enhancements,\u201d Choi told <\/span>Korea Pro<\/span><\/i>.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe practice of offering military exemptions for accomplishments in areas like culture, arts, sports and entertainment raises questions about its fairness and whether it reflects societal values everyone can stand behind.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"

Military Manpower Administration Commissioner Lee Ki-shik addresses new conscripts at the Korea Army Training Center in Nonsan, South Korea, Sept. 11, 2023 | Image: ROK Military Manpower Administration<\/a><\/em><\/p><\/div>\n

COMPLEX DEBATE\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

The possibility of exemption from military service, especially during their peak artistic and athletic years, is a significant incentive for athletes and artists, Choi from Hanshin University told <\/span>Korea Pro<\/span><\/i>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Military conscription is a weighty matter for all eligible South Korean men.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBeing cut off from the rest of society and everyday life was the hardest part of military service for me,\u201d Lee Jun-beom, a former South Korean conscripted soldier, told <\/span>Korea Pro<\/span><\/i>.<\/span><\/p>\n

The perceived severity of military life often instills fear in those receiving their draft notices. Former serviceman Shin described his dread as a \u201chellish\u201d feeling upon getting his notice. Similarly, Kim Hyun-seo, a college student who finished his service last year, admitted to initial fear due to unsettling rumors about the military\u2019s harsh conditions.<\/span><\/p>\n

The topic of military service, particularly the exemptions provided to notable athletes and artists, is sensitive and has divided public opinion. A <\/span>2019 survey<\/span><\/a> by the ROK Ministry of National Defense highlighted this split: while over 55% of South Koreans accepted the exemption system, 44% opposed the manner of its implementation.<\/span><\/p>\n

Views among current and former service members also vary.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTheir hard work and effort resulted in medals, enhancing the country\u2019s prestige. I think it is appropriate to grant them military exemptions,\u201d Shin told <\/span>Korea Pro<\/span><\/i>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Kim Hyun-seo agrees with Shin. \u201cIt\u2019s within the law and earning a gold medal is considered a contribution to the nation\u2019s prestige, after all.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

However, a conscript serving in the South Korean army highlighted the issue\u2019s sensitivity, citing the stringent conditions during \u201cthe most vibrant 18 months of our twenties.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not fair that the rest of us have to serve in the military and unconditionally obey orders from people we never knew before,\u201d the conscript told <\/span>Korea Pro<\/span><\/i>. \u201cI can\u2019t bring myself to agree with the exemptions.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Echoing this sentiment, a former ROK Army Lieutenant named Kim emphasized the unfairness, considering that all able-bodied men must serve, reminding that the country is technically still at war. \u201cIt\u2019s unfair to those who serve without exception,\u201d he said.<\/span><\/p>\n

A navy serviceman pointed out that the crux of the matter is the need for a more precise definition of \u201cnational prestige.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWithout a clear definition of what we mean by \u2018national prestige,\u2019 the contentiousness surrounding military exemptions will continue,\u201d he told <\/span>Korea Pro<\/span><\/i>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Edited by John Lee<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

Culture & Society<\/span><\/a>Defense & Security<\/span><\/a><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Clauses in South Korea\u2019s Military Service Act, entrenched since 1973, which reward internationally successful athletes and classical musicians with an alternative to conventional military service, have come under critical scrutiny. This policy, although designed to foster talents who elevate the country\u2019s global standing, is now contending with societal shifts and pressing demographic challenges, notably the […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":10407,"featured_media":2202515,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[21],"tags":[25,26],"class_list":["post-2202514","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-analysis","tag-culture-society","tag-defense-security"],"yoast_head":"\nSouth Korea debates equity of military exemption for elite athletes and artists - KOREA PRO<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/koreapro.org\/2023\/10\/south-korea-debates-equity-of-military-exemption-for-elite-athletes-and-artists\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"South Korea debates equity of military exemption for elite athletes and artists - KOREA PRO\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Clauses in South Korea\u2019s Military Service Act, entrenched since 1973, which reward internationally successful athletes and classical musicians with an alternative to conventional military service, have come under critical scrutiny. 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