3,127 Cases of Military Service Evasion in the Past Five Years; Sharp Rise in Overseas Travel Permit Violations
71% of Non-returning Overseas Residents Left for "Short-term Travel"
Despite Complaints and Passport Restrictions, Most Remain Unprosecuted
Over the past five years, the number of individuals who have evaded their mandatory military service by leaving the country and failing to return within the designated period has exceeded 900. However, there are concerns that most of these individuals remain effectively neglected, with little to no punishment being enforced.
On December 7, Yonhap News reported, citing data submitted by Democratic Party lawmaker Hwang Hee, a member of the National Assembly's National Defense Committee, that a total of 3,127 cases of military service evasion were identified from 2021 through the end of October this year, according to the Military Manpower Administration.
By type, evasion of active duty enlistment accounted for the largest share at 1,232 cases (39.4%), followed by violations of overseas travel permit obligations at 912 cases (29.2%), evasion of military service physical examinations at 586 cases (18.7%), and evasion of social service conscription at 397 cases (12.7%).
In particular, the number of cases where individuals left the country with an overseas travel permit but failed to return within the permitted period has increased each year. The number of such violations rose steadily from 158 in 2021 to 197 last year, and by October this year, 176 cases had already been recorded. Of these, 648 cases (71.1%) involved individuals who left the country for "short-term travel" but did not return.
Under the Military Service Act, men aged 25 or older who have not completed their military service must obtain permission from the Military Manpower Administration to travel abroad. If an extended stay is required, they must apply for an extension at least 15 days before the permit expires. Even if they left the country before turning 24, if they remain abroad after turning 25, they must go through a separate approval process via overseas diplomatic missions.
The Military Manpower Administration imposes sanctions on those who violate permit obligations, including filing criminal complaints, restricting passport issuance, and disclosing personal information. Since July last year, the introduction of the special judicial police system has enabled direct investigations as well. However, in practice, actual punishment is rarely enforced.
While 61.2% of those who evaded military service domestically have been sentenced to imprisonment or received suspended sentences, the punishment rate for those residing overseas is extremely low. Of the 912 individuals who violated overseas travel permit obligations, only 48 cases (5.2%) have been subject to criminal penalties-6 received prison sentences, 17 received suspended sentences, and 25 were granted prosecutorial suspension. In contrast, 780 cases (85.5%) remain pending, with either prosecution suspended or investigations halted.
Lawmaker Hwang emphasized, "As military service evasion through overseas residency continues, a comprehensive government response is needed, including strengthened cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Justice."
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