Korea’s Gen-Z and compulsory military service: Rite of passage to what!?!?

Changing perceptions about military service reflect broader discontent among about systemic issues that hinder their economic and personal growth.

For decades, South Korea's mandatory military service has been viewed as a rite of passage—a moment where young men set aside personal aspirations to serve their country, foster camaraderie, and uphold national security in a region marked by tension. However, for South Korea’s Generation Z, this once-accepted tradition is now being reexamined through a pragmatic lens, shaped by economic realities and evolving societal values. Increasingly, young men see military service less as a patriotic duty and more as a significant financial and professional setback in a country where survival is becoming harder with each passing year.

This shift reflects not only changing perceptions about military service but also broader discontent among South Korea’s youth about systemic issues that hinder their economic and personal growth.

South Korea’s conscription system requires all able-bodied men to serve for 18 to 21 months, depending on the branch of service. During this time, conscripts earn a monthly salary of approximately ₩610,000 (about $450 USD), a sum that barely covers basic expenses. For Gen-Z, this meager compensation feels especially burdensome in an economy marked by skyrocketing housing prices, stagnant wages, and fierce job competition.

The average South Korean university graduate now faces an uphill battle to secure stable employment. In a hyper-competitive labor market, even a brief absence can derail career prospects. Gen-Z conscripts often return from service to find themselves lagging behind their peers who were able to focus on education, internships, or entrepreneurial ventures during those critical early years.

Adding to the frustration is the opportunity cost of military service. Many young men express resentment at having to sacrifice nearly two years of their lives during their most productive and formative years, knowing that their female peers or individuals exempted from service can get a head start in the workforce. This disparity has fueled debates about the fairness of the system, with some calling for gender-neutral conscription or more flexible alternatives.

Unlike their predecessors, Gen-Z South Koreans are less likely to see military service as a communal or patriotic obligation. This generation has grown up in an era of rapid globalization, digital connectivity, and exposure to diverse cultural norms, fostering a more individualistic worldview. Many young men now prioritize personal ambitions, financial security, and mental well-being over collective ideals.

Moreover, South Korea’s rigid hierarchical military culture feels increasingly at odds with Gen-Z values. This generation is outspoken about issues such as mental health, workplace harassment, and abuse of power—all problems that are prevalent in military environments. High-profile incidents of bullying, hazing, and suicides within the military have only reinforced the perception that service is a traumatic experience rather than a formative one.

The growing dissatisfaction with compulsory military service cannot be understood in isolation; it is deeply intertwined with South Korea’s broader social movements. In recent years, the country has witnessed a surge in activism among young people, particularly around issues like labor rights, gender equality, and housing affordability.

The "Hell Joseon" narrative—a term used to describe South Korea's cutthroat society and systemic inequalities—has been a rallying cry for Gen-Z and Millennials. Many young South Koreans feel trapped in a system that demands relentless effort but offers little in return. Military service, with its low pay and rigid structure, is increasingly seen as emblematic of these broader systemic failures.

The feminist movement has also influenced the conversation around conscription. Some women argue that exempting them from service perpetuates gender inequality by reinforcing traditional roles, while others criticize the system for disproportionately burdening men. These debates have sparked discussions about potential reforms, including gender-neutral conscription or voluntary service with higher pay and benefits.

The economic toll of military service is particularly severe for young men from low-income families. For those who already struggle to afford education or housing, losing nearly two years of potential income exacerbates existing inequalities. Wealthier families, on the other hand, often have the resources to help their sons navigate the financial setbacks of conscription.

This disparity is compounded by high-profile cases of draft evasion by wealthy or influential individuals. When celebrities, politicians, or chaebol heirs exploit loopholes to avoid service, it fuels resentment among ordinary citizens who have no choice but to comply. For many Gen-Z men, these scandals underscore the system’s inherent unfairness and further diminish its legitimacy.

In response to growing discontent, there have been calls for reforming South Korea’s military service system. Proposed changes include:

• Increased Compensation: Raising conscript salaries to align with minimum wage or provide better benefits.

• Alternative Service Options: Expanding non-combat roles or community service opportunities for those who cannot or do not want to serve in the military.

• Shortened Service Periods: Reducing the duration of service to minimize disruption to education and careers.

• Voluntary Service: Moving toward a professional military force, though this option faces challenges given South Korea’s security concerns.

While the government has made incremental changes—such as increasing conscript pay—they fall short of addressing the root causes of dissatisfaction.

For South Korea’s Gen-Z, compulsory military service is no longer a badge of honor or a rite of passage. Instead, it represents a frustrating interruption to their lives in an already unforgiving socioeconomic landscape. As young people grow more vocal about their grievances, the government faces mounting pressure to modernize the system and align it with the realities of 21st-century Korea.

In a society grappling with economic inequality, gender dynamics, and shifting values, the debate over military service is a microcosm of larger generational tensions. Whether South Korea can find a path forward that balances national security with the aspirations of its youth remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Gen-Z is not content to accept the status quo.