Female North Korean soldiers / Yonhap



By Ko Dong-hwan

North Korea's physical aptitude test for military recruits puts females through a sexually humiliating process that includes a "virginity test," defectors say.

Ahn Hye-kyung, a former army officer in North Korea, revealed on TV Chosun's talk show "Moranbong Club" this month that male officers examined females to check if they have had sexual intercourse.

"The examination is to see whether recruits aged from 17 have had sexual experience," Ahn said. "If their hymen is no longer there, the state doesn't accept them in the military."

Host Kim Sung-joo asked Ahn how keeping one's virginity could possibly matter in serving the military. The former officer answered that the state interpreted lost virginity as a sign of not being ready to fight for the country.





The guest defectors also said that before the test, female recruits had to wait in line with only their panties on. When male examiners saw a recruit trying to cover herself with her arms, the examiners instantly shouted at her to leave and failed her.

As of 2016, a female recruit must be 17 years or older, a high school graduate, 142 centimeters or taller, 42 kilograms or heavier and must not wear glasses, according to the defectors.

In the military state, women consider joining the military as the only way to improve their social status.

Women who finished serving in the military can enjoy various social perks.