Draftees extend service amid N.Korea tension

More than 50 South Korean draftees due to finish their military service this week have decided to remain in their combat-ready positions until the ongoing cross-border standoff ends, military officials said Monday.

The Army’s intranet homepage has been swamped with messages of encouragement from Army members for the two soldiers who were injured in an Aug. 4 land mine explosion in the Demilitarized Zone. North Korea has denied responsibility for the blast.

The internal efforts to boost troop morale came as tensions spiked with Pyongyang forward-deploying a majority of its submarine forces, artillerymen and other offensive assets despite the ongoing bilateral talks aimed at defusing tensions.

“I cannot leave my comrades behind and just get discharged at this time of crisis,” said Kang Beom-seok, a 22-year-old sergeant in the 15th Division who was to complete his 21-month service this week.

“The troops of the 1st Division’s search team (who suffered from the land mine attack) put themselves behind to help their comrades even in a crisis. Like them, I will fulfill my mission until the end and bring my service to a successful conclusion.”

Cho Min-soo, a 22-year-old sergeant of the Army’s 3rd Division, also delayed his discharge from the military even though he is to begin a new job next month.

“I just take pride in the fact that I am a member of the 3rd Division, a unit the North is said to be fearful of,” he said. “It is only natural for me to remain here to defend our nation now in a military crisis.”

Chang Woo-min, a 23-year-old marine conscript, also postponed his discharge from the military, which was due Monday. He said he could not violate the “marine principle” not to leave comrades behind in a battle zone.

“I have always told junior soldiers that they should remain confident and courageous at all times. My decision is only a chance for me to execute what I think is important,” he said. “I will be proud of my decision even after my discharge.”

The move was in contrast with North Korea’s state media’s reports over the weekend that South Korean troops deserted their bases amid the cross-border standoff and that South Korean men subject to military service left the country to avoid conscription.

“(Due to South Korean men who are going abroad to avoid conscription), the prices of plane tickets have increased tenfold,” said Uriminzokkiri, a propaganda website run by the North’s Committee for the Peaceful Reunification of the Fatherland.

Contrary to North Korea’s reports, swarms of online messages filled South Korea’s main portals, websites and social network services condemning North Korea’s move and pledging allegiance.

“We are ready. Just call us,” one netizen said in his message posted on the Defense Ministry’s Facebook account.

Another netizen who retired in June said that he would remain ready to support the South Korean military.

By Song Sang-ho (sshluck@heraldcorp.com)