Nearly 20,000 dodge draft by renouncing Korean nationality over last five years

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Nearly 20,000 dodge draft by renouncing Korean nationality over last five years

Published: 11 Oct. 2024, 15:33

LEE SOO-JUNG
lee.soojung1@joongang.co.kr

Three men are seen wearing military uniform with the Korean national flag attached. [SHUTTERSTOCK]

Nearly 20,000 people who were subject to military conscription renounced their Korean nationality over the last five years, according to the data provided by military authority.

Of the 19,607 who relinquished their Korean citizenship, 13,682 or 69.7 percent acquired foreign nationalities after residing overseas for a considerable period, according to data submitted from the Military Manpower Administration to Democratic Party Rep. Hwang Hee on Friday.

The remaining 5,925 were multiple nationality holders by birth who eventually abandoned their Korean nationality.

The United States was the most-selected country, chosen by 12,089 people — or 61 percent of the entire 19,607. Another 2,825 people naturalized or chose Japanese citizenship, followed by Canada with 2,308. The fourth-ranked was Australia, with 876 people.

Yet, there are nearly 3,000 people who volunteered to serve in the Korean military — despite their permanent residential rights that exempt them from such duty.

Of 2,947 who enlisted at their will, 557 Koreans were from China, taking up around 19 percent. The United States followed closely with 532. Another 278 were from Vietnam, and 194 were from Japan.

Rep. Hwang called for a strict rule to prevent people from misusing their expatriate status to evade military duty, saying such a measure is necessary to maintain sufficient combat personnel.

“The nation must prepare measures that can induce dual nationality holders to serve in the military,” Hwang said, adding that more benefits should be given to those who faithfully served so they could easily blend into society after ending their service.

BY LEE SOO-JUNG [lee.soojung1@joongang.co.kr]