Kang Jae Gu is a South Korean photographer who has spent over two decades documenting the culture surrounding South Korea’s compulsory military service. His work deeply explores the psychological and emotional experiences of young men who are conscripted, portraying their journey from civilians to soldiers. Starting with his own experience as a military photographer, Kang captures the transformation of young men through a series of photographs that reveal the vulnerability and forced adaptation imposed by the rigid structure of the military.
Kang’s series spans from the moments before enlistment, where fear and anxiety are palpable, to the “Private” stage, where these young men are fully immersed in military life. His notable works include 12mm, which captures the tension in young men’s expressions just before shaving their heads, and Portrait Shot, which deals with the paradox of identity loss and conformity within the military. Kang’s use of natural poses and candid moments reveals a striking critique of the dehumanization and emotional strain of military service, yet it also reflects on broader themes of masculinity, identity, and societal expectations in South Korea.
Kang’s approach to photography is one of observation rather than manipulation, allowing his subjects to present themselves freely while existing within the rigid constraints of military life. His work critiques the collective hysteria and emotional toll that the mandatory military system imposes on young men, providing a raw, unfiltered look into a rite of passage that defines much of South Korean male youth.
