The number of Korean celebrities exempted from military service due to mental health conditions has significantly increased over the past five years, sparking concerns about potential loopholes in the system.
Recent data obtained by lawmaker Kang Dae Sik from the Military Manpower Administration (MMA) revealed that in 2023, 50 out of 272 celebrities assigned to social service roles were excused from duty after being on extended waitlists due to mental illness. This accounts for 18.38% of the total.
Under current regulations, if the number of individuals awaiting social service enlistment exceeds demand, those who have been waiting for over three years are reclassified as wartime labor personnel (Grade 5), effectively releasing them from their service obligations.
Out of 3,094 individuals under special military service supervision — who include public officials’ children, athletes, and entertainers — 116 were exempted after long-term deferrals for mental health reasons. Celebrities made up a notable 43.1% of that group, highlighting a concerning trend.
The data also shows a sharp rise in exemptions among celebrities. While only seven were granted exemptions in 2020, the number has steadily climbed each year, reaching 16 in 2021, 36 in 2022, 46 in 2023, and 50 in 2024. Additionally, the number of celebrities who initially passed their first medical examination but were later excused through re-evaluations rose from seven in 2020 to 39 in 2024 — more than a fivefold increase.
These figures have raised suspicions that some in the entertainment industry may be sharing methods to bypass military duty. In response, Kang has urged the MMA to strengthen its investigations and verification processes to ensure fairness in military service obligations.
Leave a Reply