Your Fave K-Pop Idol Is Going To The Army! What Does That Mean?: A Glimpse At Life In The Military In South Korea | Korea Explained

Step into the rhythm of South Korea's military life as your favorite K-Pop idols march into a new beat – the military service. In recent years, the mandatory military experience has undergone significant improvements, painting a more optimistic picture for those enlisted from ordinary people to celebrities.

In 2023 alone, we've seen many of our beloved idols enter and be discharged from the military, including members of groups like BTS, MONSTA X, GOT7, SF9, EXO, Golden Child, and many more. Join us as we take a closer look at what it means for these stars to swap the stage for the barracks.

We will show you a glimpse into what it's like in the military of Korea in this article.

Note: This article covers the general military experience, however, information may vary from military units/forces and according to the policy of that year. 

 

Military Life: Basic Information

Which Korean Men Have To Go To The Military?

Korean men have to complete their military service between the ages of 18 and 35. If they choose to delay their enlistment and want to go at a later age, that is possible until age 28.

Note: These ages are in international age. 

Some men may be exempted from enlisting in the military. This is often in the case of having a serious health issue, economic circumstances, winning a gold medal in an international sporting competition like the Olympics or Asian Games, etc.

 

How Long Do Korean Men Go To The Military For?

The length of service in the military usually varies between forces. It depends on whether the person will be serving in an active duty role or not