Hong So-young emphasizes fair conscription administration, youth career support

Agency to strengthen mental health screening, offer tailored enlistment planning

Military Manpower Administration Commissioner Hong So-young delivers a briefing at a plenary session of the National Assembly's National Defense Committee. [Yonhap]
Military Manpower Administration Commissioner Hong So-young delivers a briefing at a plenary session of the National Assembly's National Defense Committee. [Yonhap]

Military Manpower Administration Commissioner Hong So-young said Monday that the agency would raise the upper age limit for mandatory military service to prevent those living abroad for extended periods from evading conscription.

Speaking at the agency's headquarters in Daejeon, Hong outlined three priorities: strengthening the mental health screening system, providing tailored services centered on those subject to military service, and stepping up efforts to prevent and crack down on draft evasion. "We will focus on supporting the stable entry into society of young people who faithfully fulfill their military obligations, through fair conscription administration that citizens can feel," she said.

On combating draft evasion, Hong said the agency would build an integrated response system to crack down on information that encourages evasion, while also raising the age at which military obligations end to prevent long-term overseas residents from dodging service.

However, no specific details were provided on how much the age ceiling would be raised, who would be affected, or when the change would take effect.

Hong also stressed the need to support the mental health of those subject to military service. "We will strengthen the mental health screening system for those obligated to serve," she said, adding that the agency would improve psychological assessment tools and promote mental well-being through professional counseling and cooperation with relevant agencies.

On tailored military service, Hong said the agency would link military service with career development by designing enlistment plans that reflect individual aptitudes and career goals. She added that the agency would support the faithful service and protection of rights of supplementary service personnel through customized education reflecting changes in service environments and the operation of a rights-protection counseling system for industrial support personnel.

Hong said she intended to use the national audit as an opportunity to improve policy. "Through today's national audit, I will once again review the military service policies we have pursued and use the valuable observations and advice of committee members as a foundation for taking a step forward," she said, asking for the committee's continued attention and encouragement.


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