Being taller than 196 centimeters in Korea will no longer exempt men from the mandatory military service.

The defense ministry on Tuesday announced a number of changes to how its conscription physical tests are conducted. As part of the modification, the service exemption will apply to those taller than 204 centimeters.

All healthy Korean men between 18 and 38 are conscripted for around two years, depending on the branch of the service.

Excessively tall or small, heavy or light men are granted exemptions.

The ministry explained that Koreans on average have grown bigger thanks to better nutrition. It said up to 80 men per year who wouldn't have had to serve will be conscripted under the change.

The ministry will also subject men who undergo gastrectomies, a weight-loss procedure, for the active service. Previously, such men were either exempted or were assigned to alternative, non-combat duties.

Men suffering from sexual dysfunction disorders, such as aspermia or erectile dysfunctions, will be conscripted for the service, the ministry said. It said such diseases are now treatable conditions and can no longer be considered permanent diseases.

These changes will take effect on Feb. 8, the first day of conscription physicals this year, according to the ministry. (Yonhap)