Page 168 - 2020 Defence White Paper

also improved the related systems and regulations to detect and correct such
violations.
In addition, the ROK government endeavors to gain public sympathy and trust
in fair military service by improving the culture and awareness of military service
obligation. The government makes sure that the separate management of military
service compliance by public figures is well-explained to the popular culture and
arts-related businesses and the system is publicized through online platforms such as
YouTube to raise awareness on fair military service.

Prior Disclosure of Military Service Ever since the introduction of the
Records For Confirmation Hearings military service record disclosure sys-
tem in 1999, only the public official
candidates who require the National Assembly’s consent or appointment were
8)
obligated to report their military service records to the National Assembly for
subsequent disclosure. However, based on the need for in-advance verification of
public off cial candidates such as Cabinet member candidates and the need to satisfy
the people’s right to know, as of May 29, 2018, Cabinet member candidates are now
also required to report and disclose their military service records to the National

Assembly when a confirmation hearing request is submitted to the National
Assembly Starting October 24, 2019, military service units and branches were added
to the disclosure items. This requirement is expected to establish and spread a culture
of voluntary military service compliance.

Improving the Physical Examination For a fair and accurate military ser-
Improvement of the
alternative service for Military Service vice judgment test, the MND has
program
adopted the latest medical equipment
8) and is operating a system which entrusts private hospitals to conduct physical
• Public official candidates
requiring the National examinations for the socially disadvantaged, such as recipients of basic livelihood
Assembly’s consent:
Candidates for Prime security, to reduce the burden of medical checkup costs. Since 2017, latent
Minister, Chairman of
Board of Audit and tuberculosis tests were conducted annually to minimize the incidence of tuberculosis
Inspection, Chief Justice (TB) patients in military units, and starting in 2019, TB test results were issued free
of Constitutional Court,
Chief Justice of Supreme of charge. Enhancements in psychological testing are also underway by adopting
Court, and Supreme
Court Justices. advanced psychological test tools and conducting a three-step thorough checkup.
• Public official candidates
requiring the National
Assembly’s appointment:
Candidates for Reasonable Improvement The necessity of improving the alternative
Constitutional Court
Justices (3) and National of the Alternative service program, which was introduced in 1973
Election Commission
Members (3). Service Program for the purpose of fostering national infrastruc-

2020 Defense White Paper