Editor’s note: *Indicates source would only agree to be interviewed with the condition of anonymity as he is currently serving in the military.

Trapped behind cold, gray barracks for nearly two years, isolated from society, and left with scars that linger long after service, young conscripts endure a system that breaks more than it builds. Yet some push for radical proposals that fail to serve its purpose of reform in the military. In fact, such extreme petitions only magnify the harm. 

Recent controversies such as the case of Chang-yeon Won, a professional gamer who attempted to dodge military service through fraudulent claims, spotlight the system’s realities. The streamer submitted false medical certificates which stated that he possessed an IQ of 53. However, from Won’s experiences on the national youth soccer team, the Supreme Court declared his assertions deceitful.

Multiple burdens of military service cause Korean men to avoid conscription. Soldiers earn far less than the minimum wage and endure poor conditions. An anonymous current Korean army sergeant* said, “The military is considered a passing-by activity that does not impact one’s life. However, what they do not take into account is the fact that the service creates a two-year-long gap between one’s careers.”

Amid these issues, ‘Lee Dae-nams’—young men who support misogynistic views on social controversies—urge for female conscription. “At a time when there’s already recruitment of female soldiers and officers, the reason that women’s bodies are not suitable for military service sounds like nothing more than an excuse. It is arbitrary to say that military service is only for men in an age of gender equality,” said the officer. 

A recent survey shows that 48.5% of younger Koreans support such radical changes, while older generations remain opposed. Thomas Kim, a ninth-grader with Korean citizenship, responsible for future service, expressed his concern with the troublesome system. “The one thing I’m most concerned about military service comes from the news and controversies where they portray the military as a prison. I do believe that women should have a mandatory obligation to serve in the military to secure the nation and promote gender equality,” he said. 

Although this opinion gained many supporters during the recent years, it does not provide any effective outcomes. Female conscription, which only expands the draft as a burden for the nation, fails to ameliorate the problematic military conditions. Additionally, the socioeconomic drawbacks of this increased draft and the outdated standards of the ROK army—which remains unchanged for 20 years—make this choice undesirable. The short-sighted opinions of young citizens only divide our society along gender lines.

The steady incline of radicalism silences government efforts on military enhancement. For example, the “Military Tomorrow Savings” initiative increased soldiers’ wages from 408,000 won to 600,000 won. Recently, the government also allowed cell phone usage for soldiers’ self-development and entertainment. In July 2024, the legislature system also prohibited seniors’ physical abuse of their juniors, known as “얼차려.”

The debate over conscription should move from radical, gender-based demands to practical, meaningful reforms. We must prioritize mental health support or post-service demands for those who currently serve in the military. Radicalism only hinders Korea from moving toward a fair, effective conscription system that respects the dignity and sacrifices of its conscripts.