Man may face prison in Korea's first reported case of military service impersonation

Prosecutors have requested a 30-month prison sentence for a 28-year-old who entered military service on behalf of another person in exchange for splitting the monthly salary.

 
At the appeals hearing held Wednesday at the Chuncheon District Court, prosecutors argued that the defendant, surnamed Jo, undermined public trust in government administrative procedures and that the original sentence was too lenient.

Jo was convicted in the first trial of fraud, violating the Military Service Act, obstruction of justice through fraudulent means and violating the Resident Registration Act.
 
“I am truly sorry to the state and to the Military Manpower Administration officials for the crimes I committed,” Jo said in a final statement.

 
“During my time in detention, I have deeply reflected on my wrongdoing and resolved never to commit a crime again. I am currently receiving treatment for a mental health condition and promise to live the rest of my life with a strong sense of duty to the country and society.”

 
Jo is accused of entering boot camp in July last year in place of a 22-year-old surnamed Choi at a recruit training center in Hongcheon County, Gangwon, after the two had agreed to split the monthly salary of a conscripted soldier.

 
The two reportedly met through an online community, where Choi responded to Jo’s offer: enlist on Choi’s behalf in exchange for half the salary.

 
Jo underwent the enlistment medical exam under Choi’s name, presenting Choi’s national ID and a military-issued debit card — known as the “Love for Country Card” — to Military Manpower Administration staff. Jo then served for three months under Choi’s identity.

 
Jo reportedly told investigators the soldier’s salary was no longer as low as it once had been and that military service also provided food and housing. Jo received a total of 1.64 million won ($1,190) for the arrangement.

 
The scheme was discovered in September last year when Choi, fearing detection, voluntarily reported the incident to the Military Manpower Administration. Prior to the impersonation, Jo had attempted to fulfill military service but had been discharged due to mental health reasons.

 
This case marks the first known instance of impersonated enlistment since the establishment of the Military Manpower Administration in 1970.

 
The court is scheduled to deliver its verdict on July 18.

Source : https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/2025-06-18/national/socialAffairs/Man-faces-prison-in-Koreas-first-reported-case-of-military-service-impersonation/2333317

Comprehension

What did Jo do that was illegal?
Who was Choi, and how was he involved in the case?
How did Jo pass the enlistment process?
What motivated Jo to join the military in someone else's place?
How was the fraud discovered?
What charges was Jo convicted of in the first trial?
What sentence did the prosecutors request at the appeals hearing?
When will the court deliver its final verdict?

Discussion

What do you think about the punishment requested by the prosecutors? Is it fair?
Why is impersonating someone for military service a serious crime?
What could be the risks of someone doing military service in another person’s name?
Should mental health be a valid reason for being discharged from service? Why or why not?
Would you ever consider doing something illegal for money? Why or why not?
Do you think Choi should also be punished? Why or why not?
What would you do if you discovered a similar fraud happening around you?
How does this case affect public trust in government systems?
What are some ways governments can prevent identity fraud in official processes?
How do you think the public might react to this case?

Vocabulary

Prosecutor – A lawyer who brings legal charges against someone in a court of law.
Sentence (noun) – The punishment given to someone found guilty of a crime.
Fraud – The act of deceiving someone for personal gain.
Violation – Breaking a rule or law.
Impersonation – Pretending to be another person, often to deceive.
Detention – Being kept in jail or another place by authorities.
Mental health condition – A disorder that affects a person’s mood, thinking, or behavior.
Identity theft – Using someone else’s personal information without permission.
Confession – An admission that one has committed a crime or wrongdoing.
Verdict – The final decision made by a court.