{
  "id": 11620417,
  "title": "8 in 10 draft dodgers violating travel rules go unpunished",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/03/8-in-10-draft-dodgers-violating-travel-rules-go-unpunished-11620417",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-03T06:37:02.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Korea Times",
    "slug": "the-korea-times-koreatimes",
    "url": "https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/southkorea/defense/20261003/8-in-10-draft-dodgers-violating-travel-rules-go-unpunished"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "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.\n\nThe 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.",
  "summary": "More than 8 in 10 South Koreans who remained overseas to dodge military service have gone unpunished over the past five years, data showed Saturday. Under South Korean law, all able-bodied men are required to serve at least 18 months in the military to help counter threats from North Korea. Draft evasion carries up to five years in prison, but men who remain abroad effectively freeze their…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The Korea Times",
        "title": "8 in 10 draft dodgers violating travel rules go unpunished",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/03/8-in-10-draft-dodgers-violating-travel-rules-go-unpunished",
        "published": "2026-10-03T06:17:03.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}