Even with a dragon tattoo on the body, you still go to the military

Enlistees are undergoing physical examinations at the Military Manpower Administration.

[Asia Economy Military Specialist Yang Nak-gyu] The Military Manpower Administration will conduct this year's military service physical examinations from the 17th to November 30.

On the 16th, the Military Manpower Administration announced that this year's military service physical examinations will apply different standards compared to last year due to revisions in military service disposition criteria and physical examination regulations. The military service disposition criteria based on educational background have been abolished, so individuals with physical grades 1 to 3 will be assigned as active duty soldiers regardless of their educational background. This measure aims to resolve controversies over educational discrimination and enhance fairness in military service fulfillment.

To respond to the shortage of military manpower and improve the fairness and equity of examinations, the "Military Service Physical Examination and Other Examination Regulations" were revised. With this revision, the active duty criteria for refractive errors such as myopia and hyperopia, body mass index (BMI), and flat feet have been relaxed.

The grade 4 BMI criteria, calculated by dividing weight (kg) by the square of height (㎡), have been adjusted from "less than 17 or 33 and above" to "less than 16 or 35 and above." For a height of 175 cm, the overweight threshold for a grade 4 rating has increased from 102 kg to 108 kg, and the underweight threshold has decreased from 52 kg to 48 kg. Previously, myopia of -11 diopters (D) or less and hyperopia of +4D or more resulted in a grade 4 rating; these have been adjusted to -13D or less and +6D or more, respectively.

Reflecting the reduced negative perception of tattoos in modern times, the grade 4 criteria for tattoos have been abolished. Even individuals with tattoos of dragons, snakes, etc., on their entire body can be assigned to active duty.

Regarding mental illnesses, although active duty enlistment was possible if "there were current symptoms but minimal social and occupational functional impairments," from this year, active duty enlistment is only possible if "there are no current symptoms or only mild symptoms." The grade 4 supplementary service criteria for 12 items in psychiatry have been adjusted to exclude some individuals with mental illnesses who find social service difficult from supplementary service.

The Military Manpower Administration stated, "From this year, a new cognitive ability test will be introduced to conduct psychological examinations," adding, "This test was developed to consider various aspects of intellectual ability, and it is expected to improve the screening of individuals with borderline intelligence and intellectual disabilities."

Additionally, it added, "Economically disadvantaged individuals who apply for changes in military service disposition due to worsening illness will receive the cost of military medical certificates and travel expenses regardless of whether their disposition is changed," and "Through this, it is expected that the burden on economically disadvantaged individuals during military service fulfillment will be reduced and the social value of military administration will be enhanced."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.