"Goal Is Gradual Reduction and Ultimate Abolition"… Alternatives Vary Widely

[Anchor]

During yesterday's (October 7) parliamentary audit of the Ministry of National Defense, Defense Minister Kang Shin-chul stated that the goal regarding the recently controversial military service exemption system for arts and sports is to "gradually reduce and ultimately abolish it." While there is consensus on overhauling the military service exemption system, various alternatives have been proposed.

Reporter Choi Jae-yeong has our first report today.

[Reporter]

The heads of the Ministry of National Defense and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the government agencies related to the military service exemption system, were in full agreement that the remarks and conduct of some national athletes set to receive military exemptions through this year's Asian Games were inappropriate.

[Kang Shin-chul / Minister of National Defense (yesterday): I deeply regret the disparagement of the duty of national defense.]

[Choi Hwi-young / Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism (yesterday): It is truly immature....]

Lawmakers pointed out that the original purpose of introducing the exemption system—"enhancing national prestige"—has faded, and that public sentiment regarding mandatory military service must be deeply considered.

[Cho Eun-hee / People Power Party Lawmaker (yesterday): Young people face a year and a half of disruption to their studies and careers. But professional athletes continue their careers with high salaries and even receive military benefits—is this really fair?...]

However, there is also a subtle difference in stance between the Defense Ministry and the Culture Ministry regarding whether to "reduce" or "abolish" the system.

[Kang Shin-chul / Minister of National Defense (yesterday): The Defense Ministry's goal is to gradually reduce military exemptions and ultimately abolish them.]

[Choi Hwi-young / Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism (yesterday): We inevitably have to move toward reducing it. But while reducing it, how to supplement the positive aspects....]

Lawmakers suggested a variety of alternatives.

Some suggested selecting beneficiaries through cumulative evaluations, similar to earning mileage points,

[Cho Gye-won / Democratic Party Lawmaker (yesterday): So that military exemption benefits can be granted based on points, on what they have cumulatively contributed....]

while another proposal suggested allowing individuals to postpone enlistment until their late 30s instead of granting military exemptions.

[Chun Ha-ram / Reform Party Lawmaker (yesterday): If exemptions are granted until the late 30s—that is, if postponements are granted—they would be able to finish most of their careers as athletes or performers, wouldn't they?]

There was also an opinion calling for completely scrapping the system.

[Lim Jong-deuk / People Power Party Lawmaker (yesterday): Abolish the military exemption system entirely. Scrap it all, and if there are necessary areas, address them through a different system....]

With as many as seven government ministries involved in the military service exemption system, requiring complex coordination of opinions, it is expected to take considerable time before the government presents a final plan.

(Video by Kim Hyun-sang | Video Editing by Nam Il)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.