Physical exam for conscription to be computerized

All administrative work connected to the physical exam for military draftees will be computerized from this year to eliminate the grounds for irregularities.

The system will be in place in time for those conscriptees whose physical checkups will take place beginning Monday at regional conscription offices nationwide.

A total of 399,428 people will be subject to physical examinations for compulsory military service this year. They are men born in 1982 and those who were born 1981 or earlier but postponed the checkup for educational or other reasons.

The Military Manpower Administration said it introduced the new formula to boost the transparency of the physical examination system. New medical officers were commissioned to make the final judgment on eligibility for military service.

Lee Chol-Hi klimt@donga.com