As North Korean threats worsen, car-owners are increasingly getting worried that they might see their cars used as government property.
In emergencies, the government and the military can mobilize the cars in the country and use as they see fit, according to the Emergency Resource Management Law.
When ordered, car owners will receive a mobilization warrant, and must turn over their cars to designated places.
If not, they will face fines up to 20 million won, or prison sentence of up to seven years.
The computer system selects the cars randomly, according to the military official. However, SUVs and newer models are more likely to be mobilized, he said.
“Gyeonggi and Gangwon Province residents may be high on the list, since those are the places bordering North Korea.
And the younger the car owner is, the more likely they have to give up their car,” he added.
Many car owners are getting frustrated over the possibility. “The car dealer never told me about this. If the government takes away cars of a specific model, I think it’s unfair.”
Another man said, “If a war breaks out, I would need my car to move away with my family. The government taking away civilian cars is too much of a burden on people.”
The government official was reluctant to confirm even the likelihood.
He said, “We can’t tell you for sure the models or the number of the cars to be mobilized. That’s confidential.”
