An opposition lawmaker has lashed out at some senior diplomats for allowing their sons to dodge military service.

Citing a report submitted to the foreign affairs, trade and unification committee of the National Assembly, lawmaker Yoo In-tae from the Democratic United Party said that sons of several diplomats have been found to either indefinitely or completely put off their national duty by living overseas for a long period of time, or by giving up their Korean citizenship.

He noted, for example, that a son of a diplomat identified by the family name Lee has been living overseas since 2000 to avoid taking medical exams and joining the Army.

Also, the report showed a “considerable” number of diplomats’ sons who left Korea before the age of 24 and opted for permanent residency overseas.

He suggested that such diplomats are not fit to represent Korea globally as they have been irresponsible with their sons who do not fulfill their basic duty at home.

By Park Hyong-ki (hkp@heraldcorp.com)