Military duty alternative revives for large conglomerates after 14 years amid AI drive
The assignment of expert research personnel to large conglomerates is expected to resume for the first time in 14 years, this time in the artificial intelligence (AI) field, helping prevent research career interruptions and the outflow of workers abroad. According to data submitted by the Ministry of Science and ICT to Rep. Hwang Jung-a of the ruling Democratic Party of Korea on Sunday, the…
Large conglomerates in South Korea are set to welcome back military duty alternatives for their expert research personnel, a development that has been dormant for 14 years. This time around, the initiative is geared towards the artificial intelligence (AI) sector, aiming to curb research career interruptions and workforce emigration.
According to data shared by the Ministry of Science and ICT with Rep. Hwang Jung-a of the ruling Democratic Party of Korea, LG Electronics, HD Hyundai Robotics, Samsung Medison, and Samsung Electronics have been selected to host these personnel, with their nine research institutes requiring 81 experts.
The expert research personnel program permits science and engineering graduates with master's or doctoral degrees to contribute their skills at research sites for three years. This alternative to serving 18 to 21 months in the regular military, contingent on the chosen branch, was previously suspended in 2013. The hiatus was instituted to ensure a steady supply of research and development personnel for small and medium-sized enterprises, a move that sparked criticism over its potential impact on the military.
Written by urgent.news from The Korea Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
