• Log InLog In
  • Register
Liquid`
Team Liquid Liquipedia
EDT 21:33
CEST 03:33
KST 10:33
  • Home
  • Forum
  • Calendar
  • Streams
  • Liquipedia
  • Features
  • Store
  • EPT
  • TL+
  • StarCraft 2
  • Brood War
  • Smash
  • Heroes
  • Counter-Strike
  • Overwatch
  • Liquibet
  • Fantasy StarCraft
  • TLPD
  • StarCraft 2
  • Brood War
  • Blogs
Forum Sidebar
Events/Features
News
Featured News
Team Liquid Map Contest #22: Results and Winners5Code S Season 2 (2026): RO4 and Finals Preview12TL.net Map Contest #22 - Voting & Ladder Map Selection7Code S Season 2 (2026) - RO8 Preview5[ASL21] Finals Preview: Two Legacies21
Community News
[BSL22] Non-Korean Championship from 13 to 28 June2Weekly Cups (May 25-31): Clem doubles, 2v2 circuit heads toward finale0StarCraft II 5.0.16 PTR Patch Notes may 26th151Weekly Cups (May 18-24): MaxPax wins doubles0Crank Gathers Season 4: BW vs SC2 Team League6
StarCraft 2
General
TL Poll: How do you feel about the 5.0.16 PTR balance changes? Team Liquid Map Contest #22: Results and Winners TL.net Map Contest #22 - Voting & Ladder Map Selection Oliveira Would Have Returned If EWC Continued Code S Season 2 (2026): RO4 and Finals Preview
Tourneys
Sea Duckling Open (Global, Bronze-Diamond) Douyu Cup 2026 Maestros of The Game 2 announcement and schedule ! GSL Code S Season 2 (2026) Sparkling Tuna Cup - Weekly Open Tournament
Strategy
[G] Having the right mentality to improve
Custom Maps
[D]RTS in all its shapes and glory <3
External Content
The PondCast: SC2 News & Results Mutation # 529 Opportunities Unleashed Mutation # 528 Infection Detected Welcome to the External Content forum
Brood War
General
Data needed Quality of life changes in BW that you will like ? BGH Auto Balance -> http://bghmmr.eu/ BW fans in southern Sweden, look here! 25 Years Since Brood War Patch 1.08
Tourneys
[BSL22] Grand Finals - Sunday 21:00 CEST [ASL21] Grand Finals [Megathread] Daily Proleagues Escore Tournament StarCraft Season 2
Strategy
Why doesn't anyone use restoration? Any training maps people recommend? Muta micro map competition [G] Hydra ZvZ: An Introduction
Other Games
General Games
Stormgate/Frost Giant Megathread PC Games Sales Thread Nintendo Switch Thread ZeroSpace Megathread Summer Games Done Quick 2026!
Dota 2
Looking for a Dota Mentor Official 'what is Dota anymore' discussion
League of Legends
Heroes of the Storm
Simple Questions, Simple Answers Heroes of the Storm 2.0
Hearthstone
Deck construction bug Heroes of StarCraft mini-set
TL Mafia
Vanilla Mini Mafia
Community
General
Canadian Politics Mega-thread US Politics Mega-thread Russo-Ukrainian War Thread Trading/Investing Thread Things Aren’t Peaceful in Palestine
Fan Clubs
The herO Fan Club!
Media & Entertainment
Movie Discussion! [Req][Books] Good Fantasy/SciFi books [TV/BOOK] *SPOILERS* Game of Thrones Discussion [Manga] One Piece
Sports
2024 - 2026 Football Thread Cricket [SPORT] NBA General Discussion McBoner: A hockey love story Formula 1 Discussion
World Cup 2022
Tech Support
Computer Build, Upgrade & Buying Resource Thread Facing Challenges in Mobile App Development
TL Community
The Automated Ban List
Blogs
How Streaming Impacts Game P…
TrAiDoS
An Exploration of th…
waywardstrategy
I'm an arrogant trash talke…
FlaShFTW
Gauntlet SC2: A Retrospectiv…
Ctone23
Why RTS gamers make better f…
gosubay
ASL S21 English Commentary…
namkraft
Customize Sidebar...

Website Feedback

Closed Threads



Active: 10027 users

Korean ProGamers & the Military?

Forum Index > General Forum
Post a Reply
1 2 3 4 Next All
Intensity
Profile Joined February 2011
53 Posts
April 29 2011 04:04 GMT
#1
I've been curious about this for a while : do all the current korean pro gamers still have to go into military service? How much longer can they postpone? Has NesTea already fulfilled his obligations? When they come back from military duty do they go back into the pro gaming scene?

I know most of you don't care about these types of things, but I'm a very curious person and it has been difficult to find this information out via google.

Thanks a bunch!
salazar001
Profile Joined December 2010
United States38 Posts
April 29 2011 04:28 GMT
#2
ALL Koreans must go serve in the military for at least 2 years. No exceptions unless you have some severe problems and absolutely cannot attend. People can postpone their service for a short period of time, but it is mandatory to serve in the military. Also, for BW in the military they have a progaming team. For your last question, it entirely depends on the programer, they will choose themselves whether they wish to continue their career in progaming.
SweetAs
Profile Blog Joined April 2011
New Zealand290 Posts
April 29 2011 04:34 GMT
#3
On April 29 2011 13:28 salazar001 wrote:
ALL Koreans must go serve in the military for at least 2 years. No exceptions unless you have some severe problems and absolutely cannot attend. People can postpone their service for a short period of time, but it is mandatory to serve in the military. Also, for BW in the military they have a progaming team. For your last question, it entirely depends on the programer, they will choose themselves whether they wish to continue their career in progaming.


It actually varies depending on which branch they decide to go into, Army, Navy, Airforce and even administrations and civil service. For example, if you wan't to spend the less time in the military over anything else, you would sign up for the Army (21 months) where is the longest time served (up to 36 months) is with civil service.
CJ.sAviOr : oGsjookTo : mTwDIMAGA
Pleiades
Profile Joined June 2010
United States472 Posts
April 29 2011 05:06 GMT
#4
While I'm not an expert on this subject, I have read some things about it. I think Korean male citizens have to serve 2 years of military or public service before age 30. There are some exceptions like health problems or if you are the only son of the family I think. Like I said, not too sure, been a couple of years since I read up on it.
I love you sarge.... AHHHH
Intensity
Profile Joined February 2011
53 Posts
Last Edited: 2011-04-29 05:09:41
April 29 2011 05:09 GMT
#5
On April 29 2011 13:28 salazar001 wrote:
ALL Koreans must go serve in the military for at least 2 years. No exceptions unless you have some severe problems and absolutely cannot attend. People can postpone their service for a short period of time, but it is mandatory to serve in the military. Also, for BW in the military they have a progaming team. For your last question, it entirely depends on the programer, they will choose themselves whether they wish to continue their career in progaming.


What about a military proteam for SC2? Is there a list anywhere of which of the major Korean progamers have served? Also, is it similar to the US where, after basic training (6 weeks I think) you live in a dorm, have you own computer and whatever, do your job with the military during the day then do whatever you want @ night? What I'm essentially asking is - are these guys still allowed to compete / ladder while serving in the military?
andrewlt
Profile Joined August 2009
United States7702 Posts
Last Edited: 2011-04-29 05:17:01
April 29 2011 05:10 GMT
#6
I know Boxer is done. It was a pretty big deal when he came back to SKT1, even though he rarely, if ever played afterwards. The Air Force has a BW progaming team, so they can continue even though they can't practice that much.

I've heard that Nada may be exempt, though I'm not sure why. I think it had to do with his eyesight. It might be only rumors, though.
Elegy
Profile Blog Joined September 2009
United States1629 Posts
April 29 2011 05:10 GMT
#7
To add a few things, "military service" also includes much more 'tame' roles. For example, I believe Nal_rA did his service in what amounts to a guy standing around in subways in a uniform after going through basic training. Probably wrong as to his direct role, but the way I understand it is that there is a more civil-orientated branch or role you can go into, at least for some
Caphe
Profile Blog Joined May 2007
Vietnam10817 Posts
Last Edited: 2011-04-29 05:26:21
April 29 2011 05:15 GMT
#8
I want to add this, all MALE Koreans have to go to the army, its mandotary. The goverment will heath check everyone in age range and if you are fit you have to go. Ofc you can postpone but in the end you have to join the army.
I live with alot of Koreans and they don't like it at all, but well it is a law so they can do nothing about it.

Nestea hasn't fullfill his duty yet, I think he will have to go soon as well as Nada. After the military its their own decision to continue pro gaming or not but its very difficult after 2 years w/o practice.

I have a friend who just got back from military service in Korea, there is no way you can practice while you are in the military(except for Airforce proteam in BW). He got like 3-4 weeks total of leave time during his 2.5 years service.

No cellphone or any type of laptop is allowed in the military camp, if you are caught with it, you may be even have to face the military court. So its very strict, most Koreans I know have to break up with their girl friends once they join the military let alone practice SC.

Thats why progamers postpone their service alot. The idea age to go to military in Korea is about 21-23 when you just finish your freshmen year or sophomore year in college, then you go and come back to finish what left.

EDIT: You can only go to a less-rough branch of services if you have some serious problem with your health but still within the range of fullfilling your duty. In case of Nal_Ra his body is in perfect shape but he has serve near-sight which is not good for running and shooting I believe thats why he got a more civil roles
Terran
Intensity
Profile Joined February 2011
53 Posts
April 29 2011 05:28 GMT
#9
Why can't they have laptops / tv's / cellphones? In america, after basic training, you can have whatever you want in your dorm. Especially after your primary training for whatever field you're going into.

Also, isn't NesTea 30?
Guthix
Profile Joined April 2011
United States209 Posts
April 29 2011 05:34 GMT
#10
All I know is that they have to go in the military for 2 years before they are a certain age, I think 30. oGsTheStC is a famous player that joined the military but he still gets a pretty decent amount of time to play the game. He competes in almost all of the FXOpen tournaments.
Naniwa fighting!
Caphe
Profile Blog Joined May 2007
Vietnam10817 Posts
April 29 2011 07:17 GMT
#11
On April 29 2011 14:28 Intensity wrote:
Why can't they have laptops / tv's / cellphones? In america, after basic training, you can have whatever you want in your dorm. Especially after your primary training for whatever field you're going into.

Also, isn't NesTea 30?

Thats what I am heard and I am pretty sure its accurate. If you are in the camp absolutely no cell phone or laptop.

For theSTC: He may service in a more civilian branch thus he can go home everyday and practice all he wants. But if you are in the camp, a big no no.
Terran
blade55555
Profile Blog Joined March 2009
United States17423 Posts
April 29 2011 07:19 GMT
#12
I am curious, thought I would ask in this thread.

Has jaedong done military service or no? has flash?
When I think of something else, something will go here
VicTimEyes
Profile Joined March 2011
Netherlands99 Posts
April 29 2011 07:22 GMT
#13
I know it might not be entirely related, but I was wondering how this works for other sportsman like Ji-Sung Park (Man Utd) that are performing abroad? Do they get to postpone their duty after their active career or is there another way how they can fulfill their duty.
thoradycus
Profile Joined August 2010
Malaysia3262 Posts
Last Edited: 2011-04-29 07:34:30
April 29 2011 07:30 GMT
#14
On April 29 2011 16:22 VicTimEyes wrote:
I know it might not be entirely related, but I was wondering how this works for other sportsman like Ji-Sung Park (Man Utd) that are performing abroad? Do they get to postpone their duty after their active career or is there another way how they can fulfill their duty.

Im pretty sure Park Ji Sung would need to go for military service.There has been instances where sportsman were exempted from service due to success, such as the 2002 SK world cup team, which reached the semi finals.Athletes who won gold medals are exempted.

Flash and Jaedong hasnt joined military service yet.
Grettin
Profile Joined April 2010
42411 Posts
April 29 2011 07:38 GMT
#15
On April 29 2011 16:19 blade55555 wrote:
I am curious, thought I would ask in this thread.

Has jaedong done military service or no? has flash?


No and no.
"If I had force-fields in Brood War, I'd never lose." -Bisu
jinorazi
Profile Joined October 2004
Korea (South)4948 Posts
April 29 2011 07:46 GMT
#16
achievements in sports will also exempt one from military. World Baseball Championship, World Cup, Asian Cup, Olympics, etc.
age: 84 | location: california | sex: 잘함
MrHoon *
Profile Blog Joined April 2008
10183 Posts
April 29 2011 07:50 GMT
#17
On April 29 2011 16:46 jinorazi wrote:
achievements in sports will also exempt one from military. World Baseball Championship, World Cup, Asian Cup, Olympics, etc.

it's quite funny how everybody except korean soccer players get medals loollolool

These days I heard they let you in with your cell phone and etc
IF you get into a nice base, or if you go in as a 'subpar' soldier, which really isnt a soldier since they can go home and shoot like only 60 rounds in their whole training
dats racist
sharky246
Profile Blog Joined November 2010
1197 Posts
April 29 2011 08:04 GMT
#18
On April 29 2011 16:30 thoradycus wrote:
Show nested quote +
On April 29 2011 16:22 VicTimEyes wrote:
I know it might not be entirely related, but I was wondering how this works for other sportsman like Ji-Sung Park (Man Utd) that are performing abroad? Do they get to postpone their duty after their active career or is there another way how they can fulfill their duty.

Im pretty sure Park Ji Sung would need to go for military service.There has been instances where sportsman were exempted from service due to success, such as the 2002 SK world cup team, which reached the semi finals.Athletes who won gold medals are exempted.

Flash and Jaedong hasnt joined military service yet.

No people like park ji sung doesnt need to go for military service because he was in the 2002 SK world cup team. And they dont even have to be successful. If your some athlete who represents SK, then you are exempt from the army.
On January 03 2011 13:14 IdrA wrote: being high on the ladder doesnt get you any closer to your goal. Avoiding practice to protect your rating is absurd. If you want to be good go play 40 games a day and stop thinking about becoming a pro.
Maliris
Profile Blog Joined April 2011
Northern Ireland2557 Posts
April 29 2011 08:11 GMT
#19
Personally I think its pretty bullshit that people involved in sports/esports have to do miltiary service... maybe that sounds really ignorant, but having progamers be forced to go to military is horrible. It nearly ruins their entire career, anyone who did their miltiary service in BW who was a progamer were never able to get their skill level back up to a similar point that it was before they left
"Religion is something left over from the infancy of our intelligence, it will fade away as we adopt reason and science as our guidelines."
Yoshi Kirishima
Profile Blog Joined July 2009
United States10372 Posts
April 29 2011 08:12 GMT
#20
Really annoyed by this, because although it adds a little more dimension and drama to the SC scene, it seems quite annoying. Also it destroyed Boxer (arguable). Then again people who come back from the military might have more reason to change to SC2 lol.

Aside from the military service, progamers have to worry about whether or not they want to go to a university too. Pretty hard to be a progamer
Mid-master streaming MECH ONLY + commentary www.twitch.tv/yoshikirishima +++ "If all-in fails, all-in again."
1 2 3 4 Next All
Please log in or register to reply.
Live Events Refresh
Replay Cast
00:00
StarCraft Evolution League #22
LiquipediaDiscussion
OSC
22:30
OSC Elite Rising Star #19
davetesta13
Liquipedia
[ Submit Event ]
Live Streams
Refresh
StarCraft 2
NeuroSwarm 173
StarCraft: Brood War
Rain 3341
GuemChi 3228
Sea 1755
Artosis 641
Noble 6
League of Legends
Doublelift4816
JimRising 619
Counter-Strike
m0e_tv507
Other Games
summit1g9572
Day[9].tv1204
C9.Mang0563
ViBE137
Maynarde105
Temp09
Organizations
Other Games
BasetradeTV208
StarCraft 2
CranKy Ducklings109
Blizzard YouTube
StarCraft: Brood War
BSLTrovo
[ Show 14 non-featured ]
StarCraft 2
• Hupsaiya 80
• CranKy Ducklings SOOP18
• AfreecaTV YouTube
• intothetv
• Kozan
• IndyKCrew
• LaughNgamezSOOP
• Migwel
• sooper7s
StarCraft: Brood War
• BSLYoutube
• STPLYoutube
• ZZZeroYoutube
Dota 2
• masondota21761
Other Games
• Day9tv1204
Upcoming Events
OSC
11h 27m
Maestros of the Game
12h 27m
Classic vs Maru
Serral vs herO
TBD vs Clem
Replay Cast
22h 27m
CranKy Ducklings
1d 8h
uThermal 2v2 Circuit
1d 13h
BSL22 NKC (BSL vs China)
1d 17h
eOnzErG vs Mihu
Messiah vs XuanXuan
Jaystar vs TerrOr
Dewalt vs Bonyth
eOnzErG vs XuanXuan
Mihu vs TerrOr
Messiah vs Bonyth
Sparkling Tuna Cup
2 days
uThermal 2v2 Circuit
2 days
BSL22 NKC (BSL vs China)
2 days
Jaystar vs Dewalt
eOnzErG vs TerrOr
XuanXuan vs Bonyth
Mihu vs Dewalt
Messiah vs Jaystar
eOnzErG vs Bonyth
TerrOr vs Dewalt
OSC
2 days
[ Show More ]
Wardi Open
3 days
Replay Cast
5 days
The PondCast
6 days
Replay Cast
6 days
Liquipedia Results

Completed

BSL Season 22
2026 GSL S2
Heroes Pulsing #1

Ongoing

IPSL Spring 2026
KCM Race Survival 2026 Season 2
Acropolis #4
CSCL: Masked Kings S4
YSL S3
Acropolis #4 - GSB
SCTL 2026 Spring
WardiTV Spring 2026
Maestros of the Game 2
uThermal 2v2 2026 Main Event
Murky Cup 2026
Heroes Pulsing #2
IEM Cologne Major 2026
Stake Ranked Episode 2
CS Asia Championships 2026
Asian Champions League 2026
IEM Atlanta 2026
PGL Astana 2026
BLAST Rivals Spring 2026
IEM Rio 2026
PGL Bucharest 2026
Stake Ranked Episode 1

Upcoming

BSL 22 Non-Korean Championship
CSLAN 4
Blizzard Classic Cup 2026
Kung Fu Cup 2026 Grand Finals
CranK Gathers Season 4: BW vs SC2 Team League
HSC XXIX
Douyu Cup 2026
Heroes Pulsing #3
Esports World Cup 2026
BLAST Bounty Summer 2026
BLAST Bounty Summer Qual
Stake Ranked Episode 3
XSE Pro League 2026
TLPD

1. ByuN
2. TY
3. Dark
4. Solar
5. Stats
6. Nerchio
7. sOs
8. soO
9. INnoVation
10. Elazer
1. Rain
2. Flash
3. EffOrt
4. Last
5. Bisu
6. Soulkey
7. Mini
8. Sharp
Sidebar Settings...

Advertising | Privacy Policy | Terms Of Use | Contact Us

Original banner artwork: Jim Warren
The contents of this webpage are copyright © 2026 TLnet. All Rights Reserved.