Plastic Surgery Trend Among Gen Z Soldiers Is Giving South Korea’s Military A New Problem

“Sorry encik, my double eyelid surgery cannot tahan route march yet.”

Imagine saying that to your encik during National Service (NS). 

However, this has apparently become a trend among Gen Z soldiers in South Korea's military, where a growing number of soldiers are undergoing plastic surgery during active service.

And no, the issue isn't due to them returning looking unrecognisable.

The problem, according to a report by The Korea Times, is that recovering servicemen are causing very real operational headaches for commanders trying to maintain military readiness.

A platoon leader at a front-line South Korean Army unit shared how he had to pull a corporal out of an important winter training exercise.

The soldier had returned from leave with an unhealed nose following rhinoplasty surgery.

“I was flustered because he underwent a nose job without saying a word right before training,” the officer shared.

Another commander also had to remove a serviceman from night guard duty because his eyes were still severely swollen following double eyelid surgery.

In both cases, the servicemen’s buddies had to step in and cover guard duty instead.

We doubt anyone was thrilled about doing ‘extra’ because their mate decided to upgrade their face card.

Parents of the soldiers have even reportedly requested lighter duties for their sons recovering from surgery.

Though official figures on cosmetic surgery among soldiers are not available, clinics say they are seeing more active-duty clients.

In the past, such procedures were reportedly more common near the end of military service, when soldiers used longer leave periods to prepare for civilian life.

One consultation manager at a Gangnam plastic surgery clinic claimed they now see two to three active duty soldiers every week asking about eye and nose procedures.

A 22-year-old corporal, surnamed Choi, who was interviewed by The Korea Times earlier this month reportedly said he saved his monthly military allowance of 1.2 million won (S$1,000) for months to afford eyelid surgery.

Clinics are also targeting servicemen through advertisements offering military discounts, and explaining how to use private health insurance to offset costs.

One clinic allegedly offered a reporter posing as a soldier a 40 per cent military discount.

Now, with such a perk, who can blame these soldiers for going in for at least a consult, right?

Photos: Hankook Ilbo, The Korea Times, Pexel