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This change comes after a 14-year gap, but the programme is already raising questions about how widely it can be used. From 2027, eligible researchers with advanced science and engineering degrees can complete their mandatory military obligations through three years of research at participating corporate labs. South Korea is reopening a military alternative-service route for AI researchers at large corporate laboratories.
The corporate allocation is scheduled to remain available for three years through 2029, giving eligible researchers a route into major corporate laboratories while completing their military obligations. The companies requested 81 placements across nine research institutes, compared with the 120 positions reserved for large-company laboratories. That leaves 39 places unsubscribed at the recommendation stage. They must spend at least 5% of their revenue on research and development, operate in a field that does not directly compete with smaller businesses and demonstrate objectively verifiable research achievements.
Four companies including LG Electronics, Samsung Electronics, Samsung Medison and HD Hyundai Robotics have been recommended to participate, according to Ministry of Science and ICT data obtained by Rep. “With allocations to large companies returning after 14 years, young researchers will once again have a path to fulfill their military obligations at institutions with some of the country’s best research infrastructure,” Hwang said. The first applications have raised concerns about whether the large-company allocation will be fully used. Hwang Jung-a of South Korea’s ruling Democratic Party of Korea. Large companies must meet three requirements to participate. She also called for wider access, arguing that the current requirements could restrict the programme’s reach.
The Korean government has reserved 120 positions for large-company laboratories, alongside another 120 places at government-funded and defence-industry research institutes, according to a report by The Korea Hearld. However, initial applications from four recommended companies account for only 81 placements, leaving 39 of the corporate slots unrequested at the recommendation stage. Universities, public research institutes and smaller companies have continued to participate, but new placements at large businesses were stopped in 2013. The programme will initially provide 240 positions for master’s-level AI researchers in 2027. Half will be allocated to large-company laboratories, while the other 120 will go to government-funded and defence-industry research institutes. The four recommended companies are also not guaranteed to receive all 81 positions. The government will determine the final participating institutes and allocations before the programme begins in 2027. The initial applications suggest that the number of researchers placed at large corporate laboratories could remain below the 120 positions set aside for them.
Because they failed to meet the requirements, industry officials said some companies seeking participation did not receive recommendations.
“We aim to provide targeted support for developing researchers in nationally prioritized fields,” the Military Manpower Administration said in June. Strict eligibility requirements are being cited as one reason for the gap. The alternative-service programme allows eligible researchers with master’s or doctoral degrees to complete their military obligations through research rather than conventional military service. The government is now restoring access for large corporate laboratories, specifically focusing on AI as it seeks to strengthen domestic research capabilities and retain specialists. The Military Manpower Administration still has to approve participating institutes and determine the final allocation. The reopening is intended to provide companies with another way to recruit and retain AI specialists while giving researchers an alternative route to complete their military obligations. However, the three-year allocation period has raised questions about whether the programme will provide enough long-term support for corporate AI recruitment and research. “The requirements are so rigid that they may limit the impact of the program. The government should open it more boldly as part of its efforts to secure talent and advance strategic technologies,” she added. You use AI every day. Now get your AI Quotient. Take the AIQ test.