Promoting civic duty

by javabeans

Actor Lee Kyun (Dasepo Naughty Girls, Hello Franceska; real name Yang Sang-mo) is acting as PR rep for military enlistment while serving his term himself.

On July 23, he participated in a “conversation with junior recruits,” sharing his personal experiences with the young men who’d arrived to undergo their initial physical examinations (to determine fitness for military duty). He gave advice and took questions about his life in army service as well as the entertainment sphere.

They must really be pushing for positive spin; reportedly Lee Kyun encouraged each young man who’d been deemed fit for active duty with a “Congratulations,” though I’m sure more would prefer to be dismissed from this particular civic obligation. He went on to explain that he could see the difference from seven years ago when he’d received his physical exam, in that the process has become more scientific and transparent (to avoid rampant claims of corruption and unfairness, no doubt). He explained his role as being one small part in raising awareness of the changes in the conscription process and promoting a climate of proud military service.

Still, it’s unlikely any amount of publicity and spin will make the mandatory duty any more palatable to the men who serve. And they may crack down on falsified exemptions, but there will always be those — mostly the rich and/or famous — who attempt to finagle their way out of service (ahem, Psy, Song Seung-heon, Jang Hyuk, and others).

Via Newsis
 
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