• Log InLog In
  • Register
Liquid`
Team Liquid Liquipedia
EDT 12:35
CEST 18:35
KST 01:35
  • 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
[ASL21] Ro24 Preview Pt2: News Flash10[ASL21] Ro24 Preview Pt1: New Chaos0Team Liquid Map Contest #22 - Presented by Monster Energy18ByuL: The Forgotten Master of ZvT30Behind the Blue - Team Liquid History Book20
Community News
Weekly Cups (May 30-Apr 5): herO, Clem, SHIN win0[BSL22] RO32 Group Stage3Weekly Cups (March 23-29): herO takes triple6Aligulac acquired by REPLAYMAN.com/Stego Research8Weekly Cups (March 16-22): herO doubles, Cure surprises3
StarCraft 2
General
Weekly Cups (May 30-Apr 5): herO, Clem, SHIN win Rongyi Cup S3 - Preview & Info Team Liquid Map Contest #22 - Presented by Monster Energy Blizzard Classic Cup @ BlizzCon 2026 - $100k prize pool What mix of new & old maps do you want in the next ladder pool? (SC2)
Tourneys
GSL CK - monthly team event Sparkling Tuna Cup - Weekly Open Tournament RSL Season 4 announced for March-April StarCraft Evolution League (SC Evo Biweekly) WardiTV Mondays
Strategy
Custom Maps
[M] (2) Frigid Storage Publishing has been re-enabled! [Feb 24th 2026]
External Content
The PondCast: SC2 News & Results Mutation # 520 Moving Fees Mutation # 519 Inner Power Mutation # 518 Radiation Zone
Brood War
General
ASL21 General Discussion Pros React To: JaeDong vs Queen [BSL22] RO32 Group Stage so ive been playing broodwar for a week straight. Gypsy to Korea
Tourneys
[Megathread] Daily Proleagues [ASL21] Ro24 Group F Escore Tournament StarCraft Season 2 [ASL21] Ro24 Group E
Strategy
What's the deal with APM & what's its true value Fighting Spirit mining rates Simple Questions, Simple Answers
Other Games
General Games
Stormgate/Frost Giant Megathread Starcraft Tabletop Miniature Game Nintendo Switch Thread General RTS Discussion Thread Darkest Dungeon
Dota 2
The Story of Wings Gaming Official 'what is Dota anymore' discussion
League of Legends
G2 just beat GenG in First stand
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
Mafia Game Mode Feedback/Ideas TL Mafia Community Thread Five o'clock TL Mafia
Community
General
US Politics Mega-thread The Chess Thread Russo-Ukrainian War Thread NASA and the Private Sector Things Aren’t Peaceful in Palestine
Fan Clubs
The IdrA Fan Club
Media & Entertainment
[Manga] One Piece [Req][Books] Good Fantasy/SciFi books Movie Discussion!
Sports
2024 - 2026 Football Thread Formula 1 Discussion Cricket [SPORT] Tokyo Olympics 2021 Thread General nutrition recommendations
World Cup 2022
Tech Support
[G] How to Block Livestream Ads
TL Community
The Automated Ban List
Blogs
Loot Boxes—Emotions, And Why…
TrAiDoS
Broowar part 2
qwaykee
Funny Nicknames
LUCKY_NOOB
Iranian anarchists: organize…
XenOsky
FS++
Kraekkling
ASL S21 English Commentary…
namkraft
Electronics
mantequilla
Customize Sidebar...

Website Feedback

Closed Threads



Active: 1874 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
42384 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 States10366 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
Next event in 7h 25m
[ Submit Event ]
Live Streams
Refresh
StarCraft 2
Hui .275
mouzHeroMarine 233
UpATreeSC 174
trigger 116
BRAT_OK 70
StarCraft: Brood War
Calm 4031
Jaedong 2405
Bisu 2140
Soma 916
ZerO 669
Larva 578
Shuttle 529
Snow 528
Rush 440
Stork 314
[ Show more ]
Light 282
Mini 280
firebathero 261
ggaemo 228
Soulkey 228
JYJ 99
hero 59
Backho 51
Sharp 50
Shinee 30
Terrorterran 30
sSak 23
Movie 16
910 16
GoRush 9
Dota 2
Gorgc7278
Counter-Strike
fl0m2054
ceh9329
adren_tv91
Other Games
Grubby2595
FrodaN926
hiko815
B2W.Neo620
ArmadaUGS107
XaKoH 106
QueenE97
KnowMe95
Mew2King77
ZerO(Twitch)24
Trikslyr23
sas.Sziky9
Organizations
StarCraft 2
Blizzard YouTube
StarCraft: Brood War
BSLTrovo
sctven
[ Show 14 non-featured ]
StarCraft 2
• intothetv
• AfreecaTV YouTube
• Kozan
• IndyKCrew
• LaughNgamezSOOP
• Migwel
• sooper7s
StarCraft: Brood War
• BSLYoutube
• STPLYoutube
• ZZZeroYoutube
Dota 2
• WagamamaTV845
• lizZardDota268
League of Legends
• Nemesis3083
Other Games
• Shiphtur173
Upcoming Events
PiGosaur Cup
7h 25m
Replay Cast
16h 25m
Kung Fu Cup
18h 25m
Replay Cast
1d 7h
The PondCast
1d 17h
CranKy Ducklings
2 days
WardiTV Team League
2 days
Replay Cast
3 days
CranKy Ducklings
3 days
WardiTV Team League
3 days
[ Show More ]
uThermal 2v2 Circuit
3 days
BSL
4 days
Sparkling Tuna Cup
4 days
WardiTV Team League
4 days
BSL
5 days
Replay Cast
5 days
Replay Cast
5 days
Wardi Open
5 days
Liquipedia Results

Completed

CSL Elite League 2026
RSL Revival: Season 4
NationLESS Cup

Ongoing

BSL Season 22
ASL Season 21
CSL 2026 SPRING (S20)
StarCraft2 Community Team League 2026 Spring
Nations Cup 2026
PGL Bucharest 2026
Stake Ranked Episode 1
BLAST Open Spring 2026
ESL Pro League S23 Finals
ESL Pro League S23 Stage 1&2
PGL Cluj-Napoca 2026
IEM Kraków 2026
BLAST Bounty Winter 2026

Upcoming

Escore Tournament S2: W2
IPSL Spring 2026
Escore Tournament S2: W3
Acropolis #4
BSL 22 Non-Korean Championship
CSLAN 4
Kung Fu Cup 2026 Grand Finals
HSC XXIX
uThermal 2v2 2026 Main Event
RSL Revival: Season 5
IEM Cologne Major 2026
Stake Ranked Episode 2
CS Asia Championships 2026
IEM Atlanta 2026
Asian Champions League 2026
PGL Astana 2026
BLAST Rivals Spring 2026
CCT Season 3 Global Finals
IEM Rio 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.