South Korea has announced mandatory drug testing for military conscripts to ensure safety and disqualify drug addicts. The revised military service act will require all new recruits to undergo drug tests during their physical exams. Learn more about this new policy.
| Key Points |
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| South Korea will implement mandatory drug testing for military conscripts starting in July. |
| Previously, drug testing was only conducted if individuals disclosed past drug use or if a medical officer deemed it necessary. |
| The expanded drug testing will include two additional drugs: benzodiazepines and ketamine. |
| Individuals who test positive for drugs will be reported to the police for investigation and the test results will be shared with the defense ministry for continuous monitoring. |
South Korea, a country facing constant threats from North Korea, requires all able-bodied men to serve at least 18 months in the military. The decision to mandate drug tests for all new recruits aims to ensure safety and maintain a drug-free environment within the military.
South Korea Implements Mandatory Drug Testing for Military Conscription
In a move to ensure safety and disqualify drug addicts, South Korea has announced that all soon-to-be conscripts will be required to undergo drug tests. The decision comes as part of a revised military service act, which will take effect in July. Previously, drug testing was only conducted if individuals disclosed past drug use or if a medical officer deemed it necessary. However, under the new act, all new recruits will be subject to drug testing during their physical exams.
According to the Military Manpower Administration (MMA), approximately 260,000 new enlistees are expected to undergo drug testing in 2025. From 2018 to 2023, a total of 6,457 enlistees were tested, with 27 of them testing positive for drugs.
South Korea, a country facing constant threats from North Korea, requires all able-bodied men to serve at least 18 months in the military. The expanded drug testing will now include two additional drugs, benzodiazepines and ketamine, in addition to the current five substances: methamphetamine, cocaine, opium, marijuana, and ecstasy.
The MMA stated that individuals who test positive for drugs will be reported to the police for investigation, and the test results will be shared with the defense ministry for continuous monitoring.
Image: Military Manpower Administration office in Seoul
Source: Yonhap
