Amid a recent increase in individuals receiving supplementary service (Class 4) or exemption (Class 5) status during military service examinations due to mental health issues, the number of people caught disguising themselves as having mental illnesses to obtain such classifications surged by nearly 70% last year. There are calls for urgent expansion of investigative tools, such as digital forensics equipment, as it is difficult to verify the authenticity of such mental health conditions.
According to data received by Rep. Kang Dae-sik, People Power Party, of the National Assembly’s Defense Committee from the Military Manpower Administration on the 15th, the number of draft evasion cases detected by the Special Judicial Police last year was 61, a significant decrease from 169 cases the previous year.
The issue lies in draft avoidance cases related to mental health conditions. The number of detected cases surged from 16 in 2023 to 27 last year, a 69% increase. This year, 22 cases have already been detected as of August, and the total is expected to exceed last year’s figure.
Those caught by the Special Judicial Police were primarily attempting to avoid military service by falsely claiming depressive disorders. Despite openly working in cafes, restaurants, and other customer-facing roles, they reportedly made false statements during psychiatric evaluations, claiming, “I stay home all day,” “I dislike being stared at by people,” and “I feel lethargic and lack energy.” Under...
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