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Monday, October 7, 2024

Military goers should ditch SUVs and buy sedans!

The Korean military is taking civilian SUV vehicles for mobilization to exhibitions, in a form of ‘mobilization’ rather than ‘requisition’. If your vehicle is an SUV, the nation will take it at exhibitions. The likelihood of a new SUV with 4-wheel drive options receiving a mobilization notice is high. In Korea, from 1984 to July 1999, it was mandatory to equip civilian SUVs for military use at exhibitions. Although the mandatory equipment requirement has been lifted, the designation of vehicles for mobilization at exhibitions is still ongoing. The reason for needing civilian-owned vehicles, especially SUVs, is simple. The high ground clearance of SUVs makes them less affected by Korea’s unique driving conditions. Additionally, the spacious interior of SUVs compared to sedans makes them excellent for transporting supplies, personnel, and wounded soldiers. According to a military official, during exhibitions, the state can use SUV vehicles as national assets. However, this process should be described as ‘mobilization’ rather than ‘requisition’. The difference between mobilization and requisition lies in the presence or absence of coercion. For vehicle owners, having their car taken by the country at an exhibition is not an easy thing to accept. There is a slim chance of the vehicle being returned intact. Therefore, SUV owners may fear having their vehicles forcibly taken if a war breaks out. Understanding the difference between requisition and mobilization can provide some peace of mind. Requisition refers to the state’s authority to forcibly use private assets during exhibitions or emergencies, with compensation required. Requisition is a legal process of using specific assets forcibly without the owner’s consent. On the other hand, mobilization is using designated assets for military purposes at a specific time, involving pre-planned vehicles and assets, which is different in nature from requisition. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport designates specific vehicles such as SUVs, trucks, and buses as national assets. If these designated vehicles are lost or damaged, they are compensated for. However, not all SUV vehicles are mobilized. Only new SUVs that are capable of off-road travel, suitable for transporting military personnel and war materials, and have good durability are designated. If your recently purchased SUV has four-wheel drive options, it is advisable to check your mailbox frequently. This is because you may receive a ‘Priority Management Subject Designation and Mission Notification’ informing you of the mobilization of your vehicle at exhibitions.

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