The changing impact of enlistment on Kpop
by CeeFu. Posted on January 29, 2012, Sunday
SOUTH KOREA: 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 exempted and a very few avoid it like the plague.
The impact of military enlistment on the careers of South 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.
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, South 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. (As of Jan 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 four 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 naturalised American citizen and avoided service, the South 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 South Korean b-boys who are not eager to serve: “(JohnJay Chon, R16 co-organiser) 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 South Korean entertainers enlist. One would think that enlistment by music artistes 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 favourite entertainers. When Rain reported to MMA (South Korea’s Military Manpower Administration), 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, organised a welcoming party upon his release.
These days, entrances and exists gain more coverage. Fans can track their favourite stars’ entrance and exit from the military. Idols are more popular going in, which may translate into greater recognition coming out. Whereas artistes 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 South Korean entertainers now look forward to resuming their careers after serving their country.
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