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Hong So-young, commissioner of the Military Manpower Administration, poses for a commemorative photo after encouraging the first draftee of the year at the Seoul Regional Military Manpower Administration on January 15th, the first day of this year's draft physical examinations. / Military Manpower Administration

The Military Manpower Administration (MMA) announced a suite of administrative achievements marking the first anniversary of the Lee Jae-myung administration's launch, including the introduction of a facial recognition identity verification system for draft physical examinations and the expanded disclosure of personal information for draft evaders.

On the 12th, the MMA unveiled its policy achievements aimed at strengthening the foundations of fair military service and supporting the lives and futures of young adults to mark the first anniversary of the Sovereign People's Government.

First, the administration reinforced identity verification for conscripts by introducing a facial recognition system into the draft and enlistment physical examination process. Previously, verification was limited to a visual comparison between an ID photo and the conscript's actual face. Starting this year, a kiosk-based digital facial recognition system has been deployed to ensure precise identity verification.

Additionally, to heighten accountability in fulfilling military duties and foster a culture of faithful service, the scope of disclosed personal details for draft evaders has been expanded. Previously, only six categories were made public: name, age, address, evasion date, brief summary of evasion, and the violated legal provisions. However, for individuals evading service starting this year, the disclosure of their address will expand down to the building number, and the specific travel destinations of those violating overseas travel permit regulations will also be published.

The recruitment and selection system for active-duty soldiers was also overhauled to alleviate unnecessary competitive burdens. Starting this year, interviews have been abolished during the recruitment process, except for a few specialized positions. The selection method for general Air Force conscripts was also reformed, transitioning from a high-score competitive system to a blind, public lottery system.

The application process for postponing enlistment dates—for reasons such as planned college enrollment or pending departure from the country—has been upgraded to an automated system. This allows applicants to confirm the results of their civil requests immediately upon submission, a process that previously took an average of two days. The MMA explained that this cut down the processing wait time for approximately 12,000 civil applications annually.

Furthermore, a mobile health examination report service was introduced, enabling conscripts to check their comprehensive hospital-level checkup results on their smartphones on the very day of their draft physical examination. This service supports approximately 440,000 conscripts each year in easily managing their personal health.

The MMA also highlighted other achievements, including the expansion of the military career path linkage program to nine new universities, the allocation of 500 personnel to national strategic high-tech industries, and the creation of bonus points for research institutes specializing in AI and defense sectors.

"In line with the governance philosophy of the Sovereign People's Government, we will continue to drive a military administration that enhances fairness and delivers tangible benefits to the public," stated Hong So-young, commissioner of the MMA. "We will do our utmost to support a healthy military service experience for our youth and realize a military system trusted by the nation."

                                                                                                            Lee Han-sol