(Yonhap)

Big Bang’s T.O.P, who received a suspended prison term for smoking marijuana, was stripped of his police post Monday and will serve his remaining 520 days of mandatory military duty as public service worker.

Despite the dishonorable discharge from his police post, many Korean people are expressing their dissatisfaction on the army’s decision to make the singer serve the rest of his mandatory military days as public service worker.

Korean law stipulates that all able-bodied men are to serve in the military for 21 to 24 months, depending on their branch or service. But a small portion of the conscripted are allocated to non-combat duties, which are generally preferred as they are not as physically demanding as combat duties.

Serving as a public service worker is considered one of the cushiest positions, as they can commute from home and are subject to far less strict rules, such as being able to carry a cellphone.

“Why is the law so generous on this kind of people?” mlsw**** commented. Another commenter angu**** wrote, “Korean law incites crimes. This is a country where you’re OK even if you smoke marijuana, rape or kill someone as long as you have backers. The law tells you not to worry if you have money.”

Some people suggested that this decision may work unfavorably for the singer’s future career with hone**** offering, “This kind of (decision) is actually more disadvantageous to T.O.P. (He) will be able to make a comeback only after he serves a tougher duty. He will have this (dishonorable) image for the rest of his life.”

By Kim So-yeon (syk19372@heraldcorp.com)

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