Fear of conscription, possibility of confronting citizens leads to military enlistment delays among youth

Soldiers are surrounded by citizens at the National Assembly in Seoul, following the passage of a resolution demanding the lifting of President Yoon Suk Yeol's martial law declaration, Dec. 4. Korea Times photo by Shim Hyun-chul

The aftermath of the Dec. 3 martial law declaration, which shocked the nation, has led to a surge in cases of young people postponing their mandatory military enlistment.

Concerns over the potential for a second attempt at imposing martial law have heightened fears, as President Yoon Suk Yeol’s national address on Thursday reiterated his stance that the martial law declaration was justified, leaving many uneasy about the possibility of a recurrence.

Reflecting this unease, inquiries about deferring enlistment have increased among Koreans living abroad.

Park, a 20-year-old preparing for college, shared his apprehensions: "I was contemplating enlisting, but seeing martial law troops entering the National Assembly scared me. I’ve decided to delay my physical examination until President Yoon’s term ends."

He added, "I’m terrified of being mobilized if martial law is declared again. My parents and friends are also advising me to wait, fearing unforeseen events."

Twenty-year-old Jang also said, "I’ve seen friends in the army and marines struggling because of the martial law incident. I don’t want to go through such tension myself."

Concerns extend beyond personal fears to potential ethical dilemmas. "If those responsible for this martial law go unpunished, and there’s even a slight chance of another declaration, I’ll delay my enlistment as long as possible," Shin, another 20-year-old, said.

He voiced his worry, "I’m scared of receiving irrational orders as a soldier and being placed in situations where I might have to confront citizens. If I were a soldier facing citizens like what happened in the National Assembly, it would be truly chaotic."

Soldiers prepare to enter the main National Assembly building in Yeouido, Seoul, on Dec. 4, following President Yoon Suk Yeol's declaration of martial law the previous day. Yonhap

Anxieties of overseas residents

Parents have also expressed rising concerns. Baek, 51, whose son is set to enlist in a month, said, "As far as I know, it’s too late to change the enlistment date. I just hope the situation stabilizes quickly before he joins."

Posts on online forums echo similar sentiments, with one user lamenting, "My son applied to the Air Force on Dec. 2, but the martial law declaration made us consider canceling. However, they told us it’s not possible. If impeachment doesn’t happen, I don’t think I can send him to the army."

Another user wrote, "My son was supposed to enlist at the Nonsan Training Center on Dec. 30, but he canceled, saying he can’t go to the military under these circumstances."

Concerns are also growing among Koreans living abroad. According to a military enlistment consultant, inquiries have surged from overseas residents asking, "Is it safe to enlist in Korea now?" and "Can I postpone my enlistment?"

The Military Manpower Administration (MMA) says on its website that enlistment can be postponed under specific circumstances, including health issues, urgent family matters, natural disasters, overseas travel and other reasonable grounds supported by documentation.

In response to the public's concern, an MMA official said, "If there are valid reasons, enlistment can be delayed."

However, another consultant warned that postponement applications must be accompanied by justifiable explanations: "Those who have already received enlistment notices need a convincing reason for their request to be considered."

This article from the Hankook Ilbo, the sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.