Korea plans to phase out military service exemptions for athletes, artists

Korea intends to gradually phase out special military service exemptions for athletes and artists, according to the head of the Military Manpower Administration (MMA). MMA Commissioner Hong So-young informed lawmakers during a National Assembly audit that she supports the Ministry of National Defense's plan to reduce the exemption program, with the ultimate goal of abolishing it.

Hong stated that the MMA's position aligns with the defense ministry's, and the proposal is currently undergoing a final review as part of the government's defense reform plan. The MMA plans to announce the decision soon.

The proposed changes would limit eligibility to first-place winners at international arts competitions, rather than granting exemptions to both first and second-place winners. Additionally, the number of qualifying winners at domestic traditional arts competitions would be reduced from two or three per event to just one. The MMA reported that 86.6% of artists admitted to the program had been selected over the past period.