India, Aug. 20 -- South Korea's defence minister Ahn Gyu-back has announced that the government will roll out a voluntary conscription system next year. This statement comes after President Lee Jae-Myung called for reforms to the current system, under which military service is mandatory.

In South Korea, all eligible men from 19 years of age are required to serve in the military for at least 18 months. Meanwhile, those with physical or health conditions are required to serve in the fields of social work or civil service.

Exemptions, although rare, are made for classical musicians, traditional artists, and Olympic or Asian Games medal-winning athletes. In this case, the individual will either be required to undergo a short basic training ...