SBS NEWS

"Goal Is Gradual Reduction and Ultimate Abolition"… Alternatives Vary Widely During yesterday's 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. SBS Oct 8, 2026 6:20 AM

Audit Disrupted from the Start over Picket Battle; Rival Parties Slam Farmland Survey At the parliamentary audit of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, the ruling and opposition parties clashed head-on over the government's comprehensive survey of farmland. SBS Oct 8, 2026 1:35 AM

"North Korea Flustered by Our Response" ... "Is Clearing Landmines a Resolute Measure?" During the parliamentary audit of the Ministry of National Defense, Defense Minister Kang Shin-chul assessed that North Korea was flustered, pointing out that it took Pyongyang a full day after the South Korean military announced its final investigation results on the landmine explosion to release a Foreign Ministry statement. SBS Oct 8, 2026 12:28 AM

52% of Athletes Granted Military Exemptions Are Asian Games Football and Baseball Players An analysis of all individuals granted military service exemptions in the fields of sports and the arts over the past five years revealed that more than half of the athletes were members of national football and baseball teams who won gold medals at the Asian Games, while more than half of the artists were first-place winners in domestic competitions. SBS Oct 8, 2026 12:25 AM

"Gradual Reduction, Ultimate Abolition"... Differing Alternatives for Military Service Exemptions During the parliamentary audit of the Ministry of National Defense held yesterday , Defense Minister Kang Shin-chul stated that the ministry's goal regarding the recently controversial military service exemption system for arts and sports is "to gradually reduce and ultimately abolish it." Amid growing calls to reform the exemption system, various alternatives were proposed. SBS Oct 8, 2026 12:21 AM