korindian

You also have to realize that Seoul, the capital, is only 30ish miles from the DMZ (4 km demilitarized zone between the Koreas), making it extremely vulnerable to not only invasion, but also air attack. Coupling this with a bitter and tense relation between the two means that both sides are constantly on the lookout for attack. It is a real threat, and over the decades many skirmishes have taken place. It's also a reason that North Korea has lately come under fire (by UN, etc) for allegedly developing/having nuclear weapons.

There is both training for a few months, and then your job. Most people serve in "active duty," which generally means marching, guarding, and 'regular' army duties. This is seen as more manly, and more dangerous because you work in/around the DMZ. The other kind is called civil duty (I think?) and is less harsh. This is more like office work, nonphysical labor, entertainment, etc. You can be placed anywhere in S. Korea -even Seoul. Many celebrities and those who are not completely healthy do this work, (though if you are really ill/have serious injuries you may be exempt from duty altogether). There may not be an official war between North and South Korea, but there is also not an official peace.

This drama is shaping up to be one of the best dramas I've ever watched, definitely the best in the past year. You will not stop laughing, because even in the melo parts, a laugh is there to chase it down! Also, it has some really great choices for the actors & there r cameos with Brian, Lee Seunggi