[article] You’re In The Army Now: The Changing Impact of Enlistment on KPop.
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HelloKPop 1/22/2012 — written by Ceefu
You’re In The Army Now: The Changing Impact of Enlistment on KPop
There is nothing new about the mandatory military enlistment system in South Korea. Even South Korean male entertainers are subject to the law. While most enlist, some are exempt and a very few avoid it like the plague, the impact of military enlistment on the careers of Korean entertainers is changing. Instead of being a career-killer, entertainers are beginning to see military service as a small part of a long career.
Likely, a favorite actor or singer is in the military right now, was just discharged, or is about to report to South Korea’s Military Manpower Administration (MMA). Notable South Korean entertainers who are currently serving include Rain, Hyun Bin, Lee Jun Ki, Kim Nam Gil, Park Hyo Shin, Kangin and Heechul of Super Junior and Mithra Jin of Epik High. Jun Jin and Andy of Shinhwa were recently discharged, and Kim Joon of T-Max will soon enlist. Sooner or later, Korean male entertainers must serve in the military.
Why? Like Taiwan, Singapore, Israel, Norway and Switzerland, South Korea mandates military service. South Korea maintains an active military presence at the Demilitarized Zone at the 38th parallel that separates North Korea from South Korea because it is technically still at war with North Korea. Instead of a treaty, the two countries signed the 1953 Armistice Agreement, “with the objective of establishing an armistice which will insure a complete cessation of hostilities and of all acts of armed force in Korea until a final peaceful settlement is achieved.” Translation: it’s not over, but we will pretend that it is.
When do men enlist? Information varies on the required age. The World Fact Book states that all males between 20 and 30 are required to serve, while men between the ages of 18 and 26 may volunteer. However, Ask A Korean writes that “all Korean men between the age of 18 and 35 must serve a mandatory military duty. [-EDIT 8/16/2011- As of January 1, 2011, the upper limit for draft eligibility was raised to 37 years of age.]” The term of service varies: 21 months for the Army and Marines, 23 months for the Navy and 24 months for the Air Force.
One might think that entertainers receive special treatment, but it seems they are distributed throughout the military. Wikipedia explains that there are for different grades, including special service, “which is given to individuals that fulfill their military duties as a civil worker amongst civilians.” Heechul is serving as a civil worker, but Rain has active duty.
Just because service is mandatory does not mean that everyone goes. Individuals can be exempt because of injury or illness. Actor Shin Dong Wook was discharged halfway through his service after being diagnosed with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), which causes sudden, intense pain. Shinhwa’s Hye Sung was exempt due to a recurrent knee injury.
There is no option to be a conscientious objector, or someone who refuses to serve on the basis of religion or conscience. Either you enlist, obtain an exemption or suffer the consequences of avoiding service. For example, when singer Steve Yoo became a naturalized American citizen and avoided service, the Korean government deported him and banned him from the country.
While most entertainers eagerly serve, there are reasons why individuals may not want to. Jeff Yang spoke to Korean b-boys who are not eager to serve: “[JohnJay Chon, R16 co-organizer] estimates that four out of five b-boys currently competing in South Korea have postponed their service or have illegally evaded their conscription. Chon and [Charlie] Shin, [Chon’s business partner] say they know many b-boys who have mutilated themselves to dodge the army. Kim ‘Bang Rock’ Hyun-jin of the Rivers crew says through a translator, ‘Everyone tries to avoid the service.’ Then he switches to English for emphasis. ‘It’s like going to hell.’”
It’s not all fun and games. Ask A Korean describes one common form of treatment: “This punishment is applied liberally for various causes, such as being slow in marching, losing a soccer game, or overcooking sarge’s ramen.” He then refers readers to the following picture.
Despite this, most male Korean entertainers enlist. One would think that enlistment by music artists or actors would mean the end of their careers. Nearly two years out of the spotlight may cause fans to forget them. But with the rise of Hallyu (Korean wave), individuals have a greater chance of maintaining and continuing their careers.
Stars are more conscious of the impact on their career and see military service as a temporary detour from their plans. When asked about his plans after his discharge in an interview, Rain states, “I’m receiving a number of offers from Hollywood. When I am discharged, I will negotiate with Hollywood-related projects I’ve been pushing off.”
Rain has reason to have a positive outlook on his post-discharge prospects. Several individuals from groups have found success post-military enlistment. Following his military service, Kangta, formerly of H.O.T., not only resumed his singing career, but also became involved in the business side of Kpop as a director at SM Entertainment. Following his military service, Jang Woo Hyuk, also formerly of H.O.T., released I Am The Future with the single, Time Is (L)Over:
Fans are also more conscious of the military service of their favorite entertainers. When Rain reported to MMA, Reuters reported that hundreds of Chinese, Japanese and Malaysian fans showed up to bid him farewell. When Andy of Shinhwa was discharged, Changjos, as Shinhwa fans are called, organized a welcoming party upon his release.
These days, entrances and exists gain more coverage. Fans can track their favorite stars’ entrance and exit from the military. Idols are more popular going in, which may translate into greater recognition coming out. Whereas artists may have feared being forgotten by fans, groups like Shinhwa have established a trend of fans waiting for the ultimate comeback by a group.
As a result, military service does not seem to be a career killer. Today’s Korean entertainers now look forward to resuming their careers after serving their country.
— Article written by Ceefu @HelloKPop
Photo Sources: MIZ, Ask A Korean, allkpop
Video Sources:
Jang Woo Hyuk, Time Is (L)over, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Pa4h9AEbOM
Sources:
The World Factbook, Korea, South, CIA
Military Service Series: Part 1 – Mechanics of Military Service in Korea, Ask A Korean
Transcript of Armistice Agreement for the Restoration of the South Korean State (1953), Our Documents
Military Service-South Korea, Wikipedia
Jeff Yang, So you think they can break-dance?, Salon
Ask A Korean, You’re Not a Man Until You Survived Military, Ask A Korean
javabeans, Shin Dong-wook contracts rare illness, discharged from army, Drama Beans
Seo Ji-Eun, [Talk Of The Town: Korea]: Steve Yoo Isn’t Coming Back to Korea, Han Cinema
Shinhwa, Wikipedia
Iktae Park, Hundreds See K-pop Star Rain Start Military Service, Reuters
GONI, Rain on his upcoming enlistment, his mother and future plans, allkpop
Cloud USA 
Thanks @Terri and Bia for responding to my questions.
So if I understand correctly a civil service worker in the military is a soldier who would work more in an administrative compacity. Someone who would work as maybe a file clerk, inventory personnel, or be involved with preparing for an emergency response, ect.. They would more so work in the office. They would not be the first to be called to the front line. However, could be called to the front line if there is a dire need. Where as an active duty soldier like Rain would be immediately called to the front line. Because he does not work in an administrative compacity. Did I understand you correctly?
Also, just to let you know I am not worrying, I am continuing to stay positive about Rain serving in the military. Even though I miss him like everyone else my thoughts are all positive. I will continue to cheer him on for a wonderful job he is doing. And I wanted to let you know what made me ask this question. It was because of the following statement I read in the article above.
“One might think that entertainers receive special treatment, but it seems they are distributed throughout the military. Wikipedia explains that there are for different grades, including special service, “which is given to individuals that fulfill their military duties as a civil worker amongst civilians.” Heechul is serving as a civil worker, but Rain has active duty.”
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Correct me if I’m wrong but I’ve read that Heechul is serving as a civil service worker because he had been injured badly in a few car crashes. He apparently can’t do active duty type things, but of course I could be wrong. 🙂
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yea it true that it hard for any out their serving his Military duty but come across the DUTY of that it scare me so much but i believe that Rain did OUTSTANDING job so i will think positive way he will always did his job good and be the best SOLIDER ever i know rain never let his peoples country and clouds down so what ever he do and yeah i am very PROUD of Rain did a good job in solider he the MOST POPULAR and HOTLINE right now but like said before i miss him???
@Terri
DO U KNOW are we going to get some Rain new update soon why so Quite and hear nothing about him and how his health and his teaching doing too
OH BTW… TO EVERYBODY !!
HAPPY lunar New Years DRAGON years ahahahah 🙂
HAPPY LUNAR NEW YEAR!! to everyone i wish u have a GREAT fun time and stay health Peace and have great time with family and all same to Rain too wish him good Wealth and stay humble and come back to us
soon MUCK!!!!!!!! GOOD LUCK to everybody celebrating this ^_~
@ Rain
i hope u stay WEALTH and warm and please keep your strength strong happy LUNAR new years to u too and i hope u get to a lot sweet and ect… ekekek
@ Terri\
CAN I BUG for something it very important to me i need help and can u please out me out here thank
i have a FRIEND who REQUEST me to make a TRIBUTE of Rain
——>…..Rain’s many charitable events? u know he’s done stuff for the China earthquake, Japan (several times), Korea (many times), Human Trafficiking, AIDS, the water wells in Cambodia,
Terri i wondering if u can point out some these vid and post here that would so HELPFUL … i know that rain have so many thing happen and event and AId but so many that i could figure out which it should be right one for it can u just pit the youtube link here it doesn’t matter what is it along
1 one vid have charitable events?
2 the China earthquake,
3 Japan (several times),
4 Korea (many times),
5 Human Trafficiking,
6 AIDS,
7 the water wells in Cambodia,
SORRY for bugging u on this just to many i don’t remember which is it one
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Kongsao,
If you’ll go to Cloud USA’s “Rain’s Charitable Causes” page at https://cloudusa.wordpress.com/rains-charitable-causes/, you might find some help. On that page you will also find links to our Influential Rain articles, which lists some of his charitable causes as well.
I don’t know if choosing one charitable cause will be enough for a tribute though, as I don’t think there are that many pictures or videos of each of these events in the first place. So, you’ll probably have to combine the causes somehow. I don’t know of any pics or vids of the water wells project. I haven’t seen any anyway.
Terri :-}
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@Terri thanks for the info. I think I have a better understanding of the difference.
Question though with Rain being an active duty soldier does that mean he could serve on the front line if needed? Is Rain job considered a harder job than what a civil worker would do? If you are a civil worker does that mean you will not serve on the front line.
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Flower,
Unfortunately, yes, Rain could find himself on the front line if the war escalated. He is an active duty soldier, in the ROK Army Infantry. Yes, his job is harder than a civil worker’s job.
If you are a run-of-the mill civil worker, you likely would not have to fight on the front lines. That doesn’t mean the government wouldn’t call for you to, if their need was great. After all, the front lines needs food, fuel, ammunition and there is a lot of paperwork involved in getting all of the logistics of a war accomplished. But likely those jobs would remain far behind enemy lines.
However, if Rain works in the civil service through the military, in a sort of civil-military capacity, then yes, he would still have to fight for the Army on the front lines if necessary, because technically until July 2013, he is still a soldier in the Army.
How about we try not to over-think this too much, okay? Right now Rain is as safe as he can be in the recruiting battalion helping to train and mentor new recruits. The last thing he needs on his mind are his worried Clouds. So, instead of worrying, let’s all keep smiling and cheering him on for a job well done. Shall we?
Terri :-}
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WOW! Thank you Terri this detailed informations about tha Korean military system!
I can understand Rain’s feelings about choosing the harder way to be soilder! He always was a hard worker, and he wants to become a mature man after the army! His star will never fall down! There are millions fans, Clouds who wait for him!
Rain! Aja! Aja! Fighting!
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Agota,
You are so right. We will wait for him patiently.
We know it’s very hard on Rain’s clouds. But it’s a heck of a lot harder on him, right? :-}
Thank you for being a loyal Cloud. :-}
Terri :-}
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Thanks for posting this, it was a very interesting article. I am so happy serving in the military is not considered a career killer anymore.
Can someone explain to me what is the difference between serving in the military as a civil worker versus active duty like Rain is?
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@flower,
I’m not completely sure, but my best guess would be that a civil worker would be somebody working in an office setting but in the military (file clerks, inventory personnel type jobs, etc.) and somebody “active” as they describe, would be somebody that would have to jump in the jeep and get to stepping with that rifle if some “ish” went down. In other words, if the emergency sirens start going off, then soldiers like Bi would have to get out there and fight (like a first responder). Office workers and clerks wouldn’t be the first responders (so to speak), but that doesn’t mean they wouldn’t have to fight too, if things got dire.
I could be wrong. If I’m wrong, please someone else enlighten us. My military knowledge is 20 years old. Things may be different now.
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Well,
Civil workers can be both on the front lines and not on the front lines. It depends on where they are stationed and what their job functions are.
Civil servants in the military are usually the ones preparing for emergency response and that sort of thing. The Civil Service (in Korea, at least) not only includes civilian workers, but civil-military workers as well.
And yes, you are correct. In a civil worker position in the military, Rain would be in a more administrative position, or working a desk job. But if an emergency arose, he would then have to get out there and respond. And if a military crisis occurred, he would have to get out there and fight, along with the rest of the soldiers.
Terri :-}
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Flower,
The term civil worker refers to serving as a civil servant or a civil defender, as opposed to an active duty soldier. Our American civil service is a little different though. So, I guess maybe the best comparisons would be something like the U.S. Coast Guard or the National Guard.
The civil defenders, or civil servants, or civil workers, work for the government, but the ones in the ROK Army serve in a more defensive capacity–although not always on the front lines. Sometimes they work as government clerks, sometimes they help with emergency drills, like the one that Korea staged back in December 2010.
Being a civil worker is not a particular honor and is, in fact, considered to be a “cushy” job. So, I have a feeling Rain won’t be applying for one of those anytime soon, because we all know how he feels about taking the easy way out.
Although, during a military career, most soldiers’ units and jobs change from time to time. So, it should not suprise anyone if Rain’s unit and responsibilities shift, depending on what the Army needs from him. But I don’t think he will ever be a civil worker (even if we Clouds wish he would, right?).
I heard sometime last year that Hyun Bin had been transferred to the Marine’s Public Relations Division, to help the Marines improve their image. I don’t know if that is true or not, because I don’t really follow Hyun Bin’s activities. But I could see Rain being assigned to a similar duty with the Army. After all, for the Army not to utilize a super soldier like Rain to improve their PR would be sort of dumb, I think.
If anyone has any further details about the civil workers in the ROK Army, please do chime in. I would find it very interesting.
Thanks,
Terri :-}
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On another note, I’m sure Ji-Hoon is doing some excellent recruiting PR by staying right where he is an an Assistant Instructor. So, it may be that the Army will let him stay where he is during his entire service.
But I don’t know. As an ex-Army wife, and knowing Army like I do, that just seems strange to me. He could do so much more for the Army and his country in so many other ways. That’s not to say I don’t think he’s a great instructor and mentor to the other recruits he interacts with. To the contrary–I’ll bet he’s spectacular. However, it just doesn’t make sense that the ROK Army powers-that-be wouldn’t do something more dynamic with him. Especially since I know that armies excel in using people–to the point of sucking the very life out of them at times. Literally.
Yes, army leaders excel in are strategy and so they know exactly how to use people to the best of their abilities, for whatever purpose its leaders think fits. So, it doesn’t many any sense that they are keeping Rain in a recruiting training battalion, where he can only impact a few hundred men at a time, when he could be on the big screen somewhere impacting hundreds of thousands.
But again, that’s just my take.
Terri :-}
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