By Park Chung-a
Staff Reporter
The prosecution plans to summon popular dance singer Psy, who is suspected of neglecting his duty while working at a software-developing company instead of serving in the military.
The Seoul Eastern District Prosecutors' Office said on Tuesday that it found evidence that the singer willfully neglected his duty by not attending the office many times from late 2003 to 2005.
``According to the profile document of the singer at the firm, he was supposed to develop software. However, we found evidence that he was not actually capable of doing the work given him,'' said the prosecution. ``He also actively continued his career as a singer by performing at concerts more than 100 times during the period.''
Previous to this, the prosecution summoned Psy's manager and a president of the firm for questioning.
Although the substitute service period is longer than the two-year military duty service, it is very popular with young people since they can do professional work and avoid the possible danger of military accidents. It is estimated that there are about 20,000 companies, which are designated to employ conscripts as engineers or researchers.
However, suspicions have been mounting over irregularities including bribery for the much-coveted positions. As the designated companies have all the rights to select the people for the positions, it has been said that many of them receive bribes in return for employing those who want to get the positions.