For Koreans facing conscription, 99/105 score still falls short for Air Force entry

Song Hyun-woo, who once prepared to join the Air Force, smiles during an interview with The Korea Times in central Seoul, May 20. Korea Times photo by Park Ung

For Song Hyun-woo, a 26-year-old with a neatly styled, slicked-back haircut and a distinct, well-groomed mustache, the path to fulfilling his mandatory military service turned into an unexpected ordeal — a sharp departure from the rite of passage that every able-bodied South Korean man has undertaken since the 1950–53 Korean War.

Following the advice of a friend already serving, Song embarked on a meticulous quest to accumulate application points. He took the TOEIC English proficiency test, donated blood regularly and even joined a KakaoTalk open chatroom — a virtual forum where prospective recruits trade tips on gaining certifications and qualifications to boost their chances of entering the Republic of Korea Airforce.

Last September, his efforts culminated in a score of 95 out of 105 for Air Force conscription — just one point below the threshold, resulting in his rejection. Undeterred, he applied again, this time choosing a more physically demanding specialty in hopes of earning additional points. But the outcome was even more disheartening: although he had raised his score to 99, the cutoff had been raised higher, resulting in yet another rejection.

Although a third attempt was possible, by then Song found himself utterly exhausted.

“It was a complete nightmare,” he recalled, his voice tinged with weariness. “Why am I going through all this — just to serve in the military like everyone else? Why did I have to be rejected twice, despite all the effort I put in?”

Korean pilots introduce the F-15K aircraft to Indian Air Force pilots during a joint training exercise at Darwin Air Base, Australia, July 18, 2024. Courtesy of the Republic of Korea Air Force

Despite its 21-month service period — longer than the Army's 18 months or the Navy's 20 — the ROK Air Force has become an increasingly coveted destination for young Korean men. Its perceived advantages, ranging from improved living conditions to specialized training opportunities, have fueled a sharp rise in competition, leading to an extensive array of prerequisites for admission.

While specific requirements vary according to specialization, the most common route for aspiring airmen, the general enlisted track, necessitates a rigorous application process that begins with a comprehensive document screening. Successful applicants then proceed to an interview phase. To successfully navigate the initial document stage, candidates must accumulate points within a highly competitive scoring system.

For instance, individuals applying for general service enlistment between February and July this year faced a formidable barrier: a minimum of 100 out of 105 points was required to advance past the first round.

This comprehensive score is calculated based on various criteria, including academic background, school attendance records and national technical certifications. Crucially, however, the decisive factor in enhancing an applicant's prospects often rests on accruing bonus points, a strategy many aspiring Air Force conscripts actively pursue to gain an edge.

According to official Air Force guidelines, bonus points are awarded across four distinct categories. For example, a TOEIC English proficiency score of 730 or higher yields 2 points, while holding a U.S. Federal Aviation Administration aircraft maintenance license adds 4. Likewise, volunteering for physically demanding specializations — such as air defense, military policing or even culinary duties — can also contribute an additional 4 points to an applicant’s total.

New conscripts salute to their parents before enlisting in Nonsan, South Chungcheong Province, May 26. Yonhap

As part of this story, a KakaoTalk open chatroom dedicated to aspiring Air Force conscripts was monitored over a two-week period to gain insight into this burgeoning competitive landscape.

The online forum typically hosted around 670 participants and generated thousands of messages daily. Within its virtual confines, aspiring recruits ceaselessly exchanged information — including the latest enlistment cut-off scores, practical tips for training centers and assessments of which bases offered the most favorable conditions. The flow of advice and insights remained remarkably consistent.

Was such exhaustive preparation truly necessary just to serve in the Air Force? For Kang Min-su, who enlisted in 2019, the answer was a firm yes.

“The Air Force gives you a lot of personal time. I used that time to work out, read and study, which I found deeply fulfilling,” said Kang, now a 25-year-old student. “The opportunity to balance military service with personal and academic development is a primary driver for many choosing the Air Force over other branches.”

In contrast to the Army, Air Force service is widely perceived as a distinctly advantageous assignment.

“Friends of mine in the Army often recounted being assigned duties even after official hours,” Kang elaborated. “But for us, once work concluded at 6 p.m., our time was entirely our own. Many utilized these evenings to prepare for university entrance exams or to pursue professional certifications.”

A participant's text message asking about the enlistment cut-off score for driver positions in June. Captured from a KakaoTalk chatroom for prospective recruits

And then there’s one more factor few say out loud, one which most know and want: the salary.

Under the Moon Jae-in and Yoon Suk Yeol administrations, military pay saw a significant increase. The median monthly salary for enlisted soldiers — from private first class to sergeant — rose from just over 140,000 won (about $103) a decade ago to roughly 1 million won. Over a full term, Army conscripts can take home about 38 million won, and Air Force members up to 46 million, thanks in part to a government-backed savings plan.

A source familiar with the matter, speaking on condition of anonymity, agreed with the assessment, saying many familiar with the system believe that’s a key factor behind the trend.

“In the past, the trade-off was clear. The Air Force meant a longer but easier stint, while the Army offered a shorter, more intense experience,” he said. “But now that sergeants are paid nearly 2 million won a month, a longer service also means more time to earn that higher pay.”