Drug Testing for Conscripts Starting in the Second Half of the Year

Military Manpower Administration to Conduct Seven Types of Drug Tests Annually on 260,000 People

Starting from the second half of this year, all candidates for enlistment physical examinations and active duty recruitment physical examinations will undergo drug testing.

On the 17th, when the first military service physical examination of 2021 was conducted, candidates were undergoing physical examinations at the Seoul Regional Military Manpower Administration in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul. Photo by Hyunmin Kim kimhyun81@

On the 3rd, the Military Manpower Administration stated that the amendment to the Military Service Act containing this provision passed the National Assembly plenary session on the 2nd, and is expected to be promulgated after being approved at the Cabinet meeting on the 9th of this month, with implementation possibly starting as early as July 10.

Currently, only those who declare a history of drug use or those whom the military medical examiner deems necessary are selectively tested for five types of drugs: methamphetamine, cocaine, opium, marijuana, and ecstasy. The Military Manpower Administration decided to expand the scope of testing due to the recent emergence of drugs as a serious social problem, and especially because the military handles firearms, there have been calls to block the entry of drug addicts into the military.

Once the amendment is applied, it is expected that 260,000 people will undergo drug testing annually based on 2025 figures. The number of test items will also increase to seven, adding benzodiazepines and ketamine. The list of individuals confirmed positive will be reported to the National Police Agency. The Military Manpower Administration has been conducting drug tests since September 1, 1997. From 2018 to last year, a total of 6,457 people were selectively tested for drugs over the past six years, and among them, 27 were confirmed positive after detailed testing, according to the Military Manpower Administration.

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