Men who are subject to the mandatory military draft wait to undergo a physical exam at a Military Manpower Administration office in Seoul, in this Feb. 1, 2023, file photo. (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
SEOUL, Jan. 3 (Korea Bizwire) — South Korea will mandate drug tests for all soon-to-be conscripts to disqualify drug addicts and ensure safety in the military, the military manpower agency said Wednesday.
Until now, prospective enlistees have undergone drug testing only if they have disclosed past drug use or a medical officer deems it necessary, but all new recruits will be required to be tested during physical exams under a revised military service act, which goes into effect in July, the Military Manpower Administration (MMA) said.
Under the revised act, about 260,000 new enlistees are expected to be subject to drug testing in 2025, according to the MMA. From 2018 to 2023, 6,457 enlistees took drug tests, and 27 of them tested positive.
All able-bodied South Korean men are required to serve at least 18 months in the military in a country facing constant threats from North Korea.
The scope of testing will also be expanded to include two more drugs, benzodiazepines and ketamine, in addition to the current five — methamphetamine, cocaine, opium, marijuana and ecstasy.
The MMA said it will report those who are confirmed positive to the police for investigation and share the test results with the defense ministry for continuous monitoring.
(Yonhap)
