Some fans get sad that their idols go to military because then they won't be on TV or release any music.

Contrary to this, idols and celebrities in the military are not 24/7 on active duty. Sometimes, they may not even be active duty soldiers (you know... the type that have drills and stuff). There are 7 levels during pre-enlistment. (This is how my ex-boyfriend, a Korean, explained it to me... they may not be 100% accurate but it was explained to me in a simple manner so~~~)

There are 4 levels for active duty soldiers and 3 levels for civil servants due to medical conditions. Even the slightest medical condition such as having flat feet can put you in the levels of civil servant duty (my ex-bf had flat feet and said that was grounds to be in civil servant duty). JYJ's Park Yoochun is an example of a civil servant. I believe it's because of his respiratory problem (asthma). Pre-enlistment has physical & medical exams and if you don't pass that, you're in civil servant duty. Fortunately for them, these are only office hours and they can go home. But their requirement, instead of 21 months, is around 24-26 months. There are some instances where Korean men prefer the regular active duty because the required length of duty is shorter compared to civil servants.

Also, Korean soldiers receive a salary. Since they are active soldiers and not working, they have to receive a salary (or allowance. Some other Koreans call it 'allowance'). And this was even debated about in Korean society.

Next, are cellphones and computers not allowed? Cellphones are allowed to be brought but cannot be used. No laptops or computers but military camps have PC rooms! I was surprised by this, actually. In real life, Korean soldiers in the military can still use the internet so it doesn't really feel like they're away. I had Korean schoolmates who were on facebook a lot while in the military. And my Korean friend continued contacting her boyfriend through facebook (because again, cellphones can't be used). 

Another thing! Celebrity soldiers somtimes receive 'promotional' positions. This is controversial because of the 'special treatment' celebrities receive for being promoters. Examples are JYJ's Jaejoong, Super Junior members Shindong, Eunhyuk and Sungmin who are all active duty soldiers but in a promotional unit.

Being in a promotional unit means they perform in military festivals and concerts that promote certain projects, cities or military units. Or it can be a festival for military families. Usually these are held in provinces. Notice that the aforementioned idols' hometowns are not Seoul. (Sungmin: Ilsan district of Goyang, Gyeonggi-do; Eunhyuk: Goyang, Gyeonggi-do; Shindong: Mungyeong; Jaejoong: Gongju). This is an important detail later~

TVXQ's Changmin, Super Junior's Donghae and Siwon are another example of a 'promotional unit' but they're under the Seoul Metropolitan Police Force.

Guess what these 3 have in common!! Their hometowns are Seoul. Therefore, active duty is in Seoul. Lucky Seoulites get to see them! And they promote within Seoul. asdghfasda!

Soldiers also receive vacation days. They can apply for leave. I don't know how many days annually (I think 12? or 14?). This is why I find it ridiculous that K-netizens are angry that SuJu's Eunhyuk posted on instagram his vacation photos with his mom in New Zealand. Soldiers can utilize their vacation days. I guess this goes back to the controversial 'promotional unit' of celebrities, making it seem that celebrities don't do the same as regular soldiers.

And there we have it! Just a bunch of facts about Korean military service of celebrities. This is why I have never cried when I hear my fave celebrities are going to military. Because I'm 100% sure these guys are gonna be active online anyways and fans are gonna witness them in their promotions. 

Were you surprised by any of these mentioned? Do you have questions? I may not be the best person to ask but if I can help you understand, I'll be happy to! :D

PS: Being in a promotional unit doesn't mean that is all they do. They also have other duties. But again, when you compare to a regular active soldier, they get to do something they enjoy (which is perform). Who doesn't get jealous of that?