8 in 10 draft dodgers violating travel rules go unpunished

In South Korea, more than 80% of men who avoided military service by staying abroad have avoided punishment over the past five years, according to newly released data. The country's law mandates that all able-bodied men complete at least 18 months of military service to counter threats from North Korea. However, those who remain overseas effectively put a halt to any potential legal consequences because their criminal cases are stopped by the statute of limitations while they are abroad, allowing them to evade prosecution until they reach the age of 38.

The data, obtained by Rep. Min Hong-chul of the ruling Democratic Party of Korea from the Military Manpower Administration, sheds light on the ongoing struggle South Korea faces with a shrinking population and a growing shortage in military manpower. Out of the 929 individuals who violated travel rules related to military service between 2021 and 2025, 794, or about 85.5%, had their investigations or prosecutions suspended.

This significant figure highlights the importance of addressing this issue as the nation grapples with the consequences of a dwindling population and an increasingly urgent need for a robust military force.