Military authorities are preparing to introduce measures to help mixed-race South Korean men adjust to barracks life as visibly mixed-race males are set to be drafted from next year, defense ministry officials said Tuesday.
South Korea, which traditionally prided itself on being a homogeneous country, has allowed mixed-race males of Asian descent to be conscripted for mandatory service since 2005. Still, visibly mixed-race men, particularly those from an African-American parent, have been banned from serving in the military amid concerns of racial discrimination.
The ban was lifted as the National Assembly passed a revision of the military conscription law early this year to allow males from all ethnic backgrounds to join the military from next year.
"We are working on a variety of measures as visibly mixed-race men are to be drafted from next year," said a ministry official.
As part of the drafted measures, enlisted mixed-race personnel would be allowed to choose their military specialty and place of service, the official said on condition of anonymity.
"Also, the military would set up anti-discriminatory provisions in code of conduct for all four branches -- the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps," the official said.
In particular, the military is considering giving special treatment to mixed-race personnel in selecting soldiers for overseas mission, the official said.
About 3,410 males aged 16-18 from mixed-race families are subject to physical check-ups for conscription from this year through 2012, according to ministry data.
Although there is no official record on the number of mixed-race citizens in South Korea, the number of such children is increasing as more men in rural areas find brides from other parts of Asia.
South Korea maintains about 655,000 troops to defend against North Korea's 1.2 million-strong military. The two Koreas remain technically at war after the 1950-53 Korean War ended in a truce.