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New Korean law calls for up to 5 years in prison for military service evasion

September 16, 2015

1,135 South Korean citizens over the age of 25 are suspected of evasion by living overseas from 2006 to July this year, according to the Military Manpower Administration.

Members of the South Korean special forces take part in a military drill in Yeongcheon, southeast of Seoul in this May 2, 2013 picture. (Yonhap)

Members of the South Korean special forces take part in a military drill in Yeongcheon, southeast of Seoul in this May 2, 2013 picture. (Yonhap)

The South Korean government is ready to punish male citizens overseas who are avoiding the country’s 21-month mandatory military service.

A new law calls for up to five years in prison for those who stay overseas for vacation or study with a goal of service evasion.

According to the Military Manpower Administration, 1,135 South Korean citizens over the age of 25 were suspected of evasion by living overseas from 2006 to July this year.

Seventy-five percent of them, or 857 people, were in the United States. Those aged 26 to 30 numbered 585, and 31 to 35 years of age 466. Eighty-four were 36 and over.

Only 106 people accused of evasion by MMA enlisted by going back to Korea.