Media outlet 'Dispatch' has partnered up with online survey platform 'Embrain' to conduct a survey regarding mandatory military service exemptions for South Koreans. 

Currently, mandatory service exemptions are awarded to figures in the arts and/or international sports categories who meet certain criteria. In the case of the arts, individuals who have received notable awards at internationally recognized contests are qualified for consideration by the Military Manpower Administration (MMA), while in sports, individuals who place in the top 3 in any Olympic games or Asian games qualify. The MMA currently considers a total of 42 international arts contests within this qualification category, including 28 international music competitions, 9 international performing arts competitions, and 5 additional national arts competitions (such as those for traditional Korean arts). 

In 1995, the South Korean government passed the 'Lee Chang Ho Bill', after a ba-duk (a strategy board game played in Asia) genius, Lee Chang Ho, was summoned for his mandatory military service. Numerous individuals advocated for Lee Chang Ho to be exempt from mandatory service, claiming that important figures in various other arts and culture categories merited the same treatment as athletes, and as a result, a bill was added to South Korea's military service laws stating, "Individuals in the arts or sports who contribute to the enhancement of national prestige and/or the promotion of Korean culture may use the required time for mandatory service to continue their efforts in the advancement of their respective fields." 

More than 25 years later, in 2022, how important is "the enhancement of national prestige" and "the promotion of Korean culture" to South Korea? 91% of survey participants stated that the former was important for South Korea, while 95% stated that the latter was important for South Korea. 

Next, 89% of survey participants felt that important figures who contributed to either of the above merited certain awards for their contributions to society, including 85% of male participants and 93% of female participants. 85% of survey participants also agreed that these figures merited consideration for mandatory military exemption. 

However, 73% of survey participants answered that they did not know what the requirements were for figures in the arts to be exempt from mandatory service. 76% of participants additionally answered that they did not know any specific international art competitions which would allow award winners to be considered for mandatory service exemption. 

When asked if existing methods for consideration of mandatory service needed revisions, 70% of participants answered, "Yes." More specifically, when asked to name 3 reasons why revisions were necessary, 54% answered, "The criteria should be more specific," while 46% answered, "The criteria should consider generational changes," and 40% answered, "The criteria should consider popular culture". 

Which arts/cultural fields should be considered when revising existing criteria for mandatory service exemption?

65% of participants answered "K-Pop," 41% of participants answered, "K-content," and 38% of participants answered, "gukak (traditional music of Korea)". 

Next, survey participants were asked to name specific figures who were currently contributing to  "the enhancement of national prestige" and "the promotion of Korean culture".

64% named BTS, 15% named Bong Joon Ho, and 9% named Sumi Jo. 

How do you feel about the need to consider important figures in popular culture exemption from mandatory military service? 78% of participants answered, "It seems relatable," including 75% of male participants and 81% of female participants. 

Participants were also asked to give certain reasons for their answers. 43% said, "Notably economic factors," while 41% said, "It would increase the status of South Korea". 39% percent stated, "They would make better contributions to their individual fields." Some who opposed the issue answered, "It would be inequitable treatment of ordinary citizens," or "Some would attempt to abuse the laws". 

Finally, survey participants asked how the government might identify figures in popular culture who merit consideration for mandatory service exemption. 59% answered, "Recognition at internationally renowned award ceremonies," while 25% answered "The president's award".

The above analyses, conducted by 'Dispatch' and 'Embrain', surveyed 1,000 anonymous South Korean citizens between the ages of 14~59 from Marcy 11~15, 2022. The surveys were conducted online.