Military Service

Understanding South Korea's Military Physical Grades
 

• Grade 1–3: Fit for active-duty service

• Grade 4: Limited duty; assigned to public service or non-combat roles

• Grade 5: Exempt from regular service but can be mobilized during war

• Grade 6: Fully exempt due to severe medical conditions
   

Did Public Service Mean No Military Training?
 

Not at all. Despite not serving on the front lines, public service workers like SUGA undergo basic training—including essential first aid, emergency response, and even modified physical drills.
 

First Aid Training for Public Service Workers
 

1. Basic Life Support (BLS)
 

• CPR and breathing assessment

• Responding to loss of consciousness
   

2. Bleeding Control
 

• Applying pressure to wounds

• Using tourniquets and bandages
   

3. Fracture and Sprain Care
 

• Limb immobilization

• Use of slings and splints
   

4. Burn and Shock Response
 

• Cooling burns

• Managing shock symptoms
   

5. Evacuation Techniques
 

• Safely moving injured individuals

• Knowing when to avoid moving someone
   

Public service workers often operate in schools or clinics—places where basic medical training can save lives.
 

De-escalation Training
 

Even in non-combat settings, workers are trained to manage potential threats until authorities arrive.
 

1. Identifying Escalating Behavior
 

• Spotting warning signs

• Recognizing vocal tone shifts
   

2. Verbal Techniques
 

• Speaking calmly

• Active listening and mirroring
   

3. Safety Protocols
 

• Removing others from danger

• Contacting emergency services quickly

 

Disaster Response Skills
 

Public service workers are prepared to act during natural disasters.
 

Training Includes:
 

• Rope knotting (Square Knot, Clove Hitch, etc.)

• Emergency evacuations

• Local emergency protocols

• Use of extinguishers, radios, and PA systems
   

These skills help them assist others first—placing their own safety last, as trained.

 

Communications & Signaling
 

Training emphasizes clear emergency communication:
 

• How to report location, type of emergency, and threats

• Directing responders efficiently

• Keeping calm under pressure
   

Emergency Contact Protocols
 

When assigned to isolated facilities (e.g., schools or libraries), workers are trained to:
 

• Calm crowds

• Coordinate evacuations

• Locate safe zones
   

Modified Physical and Military Training
 

SUGA likely underwent light physical activity, such as:
 

• Supervised cardio

• Basic marching and posture

• Rifle handling (basic familiarity only)
   

Mental training covered respect for rank, teamwork, and national defense structures.


Types of Military Service in Korea

 

1. Active-Duty Military (Hyun-yeok)
 

Roles: Infantry, Artillery, Medics, Mechanics, etc.
 

2. Public Service Worker (Sahoe Bokmu Yo-won)
 

Assigned due to health conditions. Roles:
 

• Government office assistant

• School/welfare center helper

• Public health center support

• IT/tech support (occasionally)

• Facility maintenance
   

3. Conscientious Objector Service
 

For moral or religious objectors. Roles: prison support staff
 

4. Industrial Technical Personnel
 

Skilled conscripts work in private firms tied to national security
 

5. Research Personnel
 

PhD/Master's researchers serving through science-related work
 

6. Firefighter & Police Auxiliary (being phased out)

Possible Jobs SUGA Might Have Done
 

Government Office Assistant
 

Tasks: Filing, phone handling, citizen support
 

School or Welfare Center Helper
 

Tasks: Assisting children, deliveries, elderly programs
 

Public Health Center Staff
 

Tasks: Directing visitors, organizing records, vaccine support
 

IT or Tech Support
 

Possible given his tech skills. Duties could include computer setups and troubleshooting