DAY6’s Young K Is The First Idol To Enlist In Highly Desired KATUSA — Here’s What It Takes To Get In

DAY6‘s Young K announced that he will enlist on October 12 into the KATUSA branch of the Republic Of Korea (ROK) Army, becoming the first K-Pop idol to be accepted into the program. Here’s what it takes to get into this highly sought-after, low-acceptance branch.

Young K of DAY6. | @from_youngk/Instagram

KATUSA, which stands for Korean Augmentation To the United States Army, started in 1950 following the beginning of the Korean war. Its purpose was support the US forces during the war, and since the 1953 armistice, it functions to the benefit of both the US Army and ROK Army.

| The Korea Times

KATUSA members serve as support to the US Army forces as well as translators between Americans and the Korean public. Beyond the military, however, many KATUSA and US Army soldiers have shared that the cultural exchange and learning opportunities make the experience unique.

| 8th Army, ROKA Support Group

Those who wish to join are required to take and pass one of eight standardized English tests. Two of the most common tests are TOEFL, with a passing score of 83, and TOEIC, with a passing score of 780. For Young K, he received a TOEFL score of 116 and a TOEIC score of 970.

| @from_youngk/Instagram

But even once they receive their passing score, their acceptance is not guaranteed; KATUSA relies on a lottery system to choose from the pool of qualified volunteers. According to The Korea Times, out of 16,760 applicants in 2020, only 1,600 were accepted. Their acceptance rate will continue to decline in future years as more US Army forces move out of South Korea.

| 8th Army, ROKA Support Group

However, despite the highly competitive process to get into KATUSA, it remains “the most enviable” post for Koreans entering the military. This is due to the comparatively better treatment soldiers can receive through working with US Army units.

The popularity of joining KATUSA derives from the fact that they can receive better treatment, including meals, compared to regular South Korean military units. These perks include the freedom to leave military posts on weekdays with relative ease, and a comparably less hierarchical relationship with supervisors.

— Bak Se Hwan, The Korea Herald

Young K is the first idol to be accepted into the highly desired KATUSA branch thanks to both his impressive fluency in English and just a touch of good luck. He’ll begin his military service in October following the release of a solo album. We wish him all the best!