National Defense Committee convenes during the 434th extraordinary session of the National Assembly.

Passes 19 bills, including the Defense Semiconductor Support Act.

Measures include stronger sanctions against military service evaders.

Ahn Gyu-back expresses appreciation to members of the National Defense Committee.

Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back responds to questions from National Assembly members during the first plenary session of the National Defense Committee held as part of the 434th extraordinary session on April 14, 2026.

On April 14, 2026, the National Defense Committee of the National Assembly convened the first plenary session of the 434th extraordinary session and passed the revised Military Service Act to strengthen the management of and sanctions against military service evaders, along with the Defense Semiconductor Support Act.

The National Defense Committee meeting passed 19 bills, including partial amendments to the Military Service Act and the Defense Acquisition Program Act, as well as the Act on the Promotion and Support of Defense Semiconductors.

The partial revision of the Military Service Act, passed as the committee’s alternative bill, includes a provision raising the age for exemption from military conscription obligations—from 38 to 43—for those who evade service without justifiable grounds. Additionally, the revision enables the provision of personal details of military service evaders—without justifiable grounds—to the press upon request. It also authorizes the Commissioner of the Military Manpower Administration to request the Ministry of Justice to submit immigration data on the evader’s parents, spouses, and lineal descendants.

Two partial revisions to the Defense Acquisition Program Act were passed as a consolidated and coordinated bill by the National Defense Committee. The revision bills extend the deadline for submitting export transaction data—from seven days to 20 days—for defense material exports, easing the burden on defense firms.

The revisions also include provisions requiring the Commissioner of the Defense Acquisition Program Administration to establish phase-specific quality assurance standards based on technical complexity and other relevant factors when carrying out quality assurance for military supplies.

A partial revision bill to the Defense Technology Security Act was also passed to strengthen penalties for the leakage and infringement of defense industry technology. The revision bill includes a provision stipulating that, upon conviction, offenders shall be punishable by imprisonment for a fixed term of at least three years or by a fine not exceeding KRW 6.5 billion.

The committee’s alternative partial revision bill to the Defense Industry Development and Support Act provides support for the costs of hiring research personnel at defense SMEs and middle-market enterprises, as well as partial compensation for the costs of testing and evaluation.

Furthermore, the alternative to the Act on the Promotion and Support of Defense Semiconductors and the Special Act on the Promotion of the Defense Semiconductor Industry and Stabilization of Supply Chains includes provisions that provide a legal basis for implementing related policies such as establishing a basic plan for the development of defense semiconductors, setting up a promotion committee, conducting fact-finding surveys, and supporting research and development.

Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back said, “I thank you for your in-depth deliberation and passage of bills essential to the development of the military despite difficult circumstances. The Ministry of National Defense will make every effort to ensure that the laws are implemented smoothly in the field.”

Sung Il-jong, Chair of the National Defense Committee, urged, “Today, we passed various laws. Among them, laws related to defense semiconductors need to be implemented swiftly, although various difficulties are expected. The government should therefore play a leading role. Please pay particular attention to ensuring that talent recruitment and budget allocation proceed without delay.”

 By Byeong-No, Yun <trylover@dema.mil.kr >

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