South Korea Will Reopen Alternative Military Service at Corporate AI Labs in 2027

South Korea plans to reopen a research-based alternative to military service at large-company AI laboratories in 2027. It is a limited return for employers that stopped receiving new placements in 2013, and a recommendation to participate does not yet guarantee a laboratory or researcher a place.531

How the research-service route works

The specialized research personnel program lets eligible science and engineering master’s or doctoral degree holders meet their military obligations by working in research for three years instead of performing conventional military service. The reopening adds qualifying large-company AI laboratories as potential workplaces; it does not replace the existing routes through universities, public research institutes and smaller companies.531

New placements at large companies were halted in 2013 to prioritize small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The AI exception is intended to help retain skilled researchers and strengthen domestic AI research while they complete their obligations.511

How many positions are planned?

For 2027, the plan sets aside 240 master’s-level AI research positions: 120 for large-company laboratories and 120 for government-funded and defense-industry research institutes. Corporate AI allocations are scheduled to run from 2027 through 2029. That allocation window should not be confused with the three years of research service required of an individual participant.312

The Ministry of Science and ICT has recommended nine institutes affiliated with LG Electronics, Samsung Electronics, Samsung Medison and HD Hyundai Robotics. Together, they requested 81 placements—67.5% of the 120 corporate places available for 2027, leaving a gap of 39 between requests and capacity at the recommendation stage. Those figures describe requests, not approved assignments.2712

What must corporate labs prove?

A large company seeking designation must meet all three reported conditions: invest at least 5% of revenue in R&D, conduct research in a field that does not directly compete with smaller businesses, and show objectively verifiable research achievements. Some applicants reportedly failed the criteria and were excluded before the recommendations were made.1233

The Military Manpower Administration still has to make the final designation and personnel-allocation decisions. As a result, even all 81 requested placements are not assured.513

That uncertainty is central to Rep. Hwang Jung-a’s concern: strict entry rules and a temporary allocation period may limit participation and make sustained recruitment difficult. She has called for broader access to advanced research infrastructure so the initiative supports longer-term talent development and strategic research, rather than only a brief hiring opportunity.533