Military Service in South Korea?

I'm not too into South Korean entertainment and such, but since I have been a little, I've seen some stars from various dramas and musical groups that have gone or are planning to go into the military. I'm kind of curious: Is military service a mandatory thing for men of a certain age? Or is it just something that is expected of a young man in South Korea?|||2 years after they turn 18 is required|||it is mandatory. for 99.99% of people. some people like worldcup MVP dont hav to go


or like if there's world wide sporting event, and someone does like crazy good on it, they might say you dont have to do it or whatever,but


after you turn 18, they tell you to come, but you can also delay it if you have special reason, such as if you are in college, and if you want to finish college before you go to army.


they spend 2 years and 2 months.


but it's not really big of a deal, and most of people says that's when you become a true man? lol


cuz life there is really tough.


i heard someone saying all you learn from there is smoking lol|||The 2 years is active duty.


When I was in Korea, all the males under 35 had to belong to the area defense.


Sort of like a National Guard........