You know what? Let’s stop playing and just admit it, K-Drama characters would absolutely NOT survive NYSC camp. Like, imagine Vincenzo Cassano in the sun, holding a dirty white bucket, asking “Where is Mammy Market?” in Italian. Or Do Bong Soon being asked to wear bathroom slippers to the parade ground.

But because I have nothing better to do (and you’re obviously interested), I’ve gone ahead to throw some of our fave K-Drama characters into the three-week trenches known as NYSC camp.
Let’s see who will survive, who will faint, and who will run away before swearing-in.

Let’s just say things would not go smoothly. At all.

Goblin Would File for Early Exit 

First of all, Goblin would take one look at the hostel bathrooms and literally vanish into thin air. Imagine a centuries-old immortal being told to queue for food under the sun, while being yelled at by a soldier who calls everyone “corper shun.” The only thing that might keep him sane is sitting under a tree by the parade ground, writing dramatic poetry about the struggles of mortals. His sword might glow out of frustration when someone mistakes him for an oga and tries to borrow money for suya. He would be declared medically unfit before day five.

Do Bong Soon Would Break the Parade Ground 

This woman would try to keep it low-key, but someone will push her in the food line, and next thing you know, a water tank has been launched into orbit. NYSC camp might be stressful, but she is not the one to mess with. The soldiers would either be afraid of her or give her her own platoon out of respect. And if you think she would sleep in a cramped bunk with bed bugs, think again. She would probably build her own cabin out of palm fronds and sheer rage.

Vincenzo Cassano Would Own Mammy Market  

You think a literal mafia consigliere would stand in line for moi-moi? Never. Vincenzo would figure out the black market economy in less than 48 hours. By the end of the first week, he would be running Mammy Market like a mini kingdom, complete with chilled drinks, imported wine, and a backroom where people settle “issues.” He would bribe his way out of the parade and spend most of camp lounging in sunglasses, judging everyone’s white-on-white attire. Nobody would question him. They would just fear him quietly.

Yoon Se-ri Would Redecorate the Clinic  

Yoon Se-ri would enter the camp and immediately develop a mysterious illness that only rest and AC can cure. She would check herself into the clinic, bribe her way into a private bed space, and hang up fairy lights to make it feel more like home. By the second week, other female corps members would gather in her corner for skincare tips using Dettol and baby oil. She would never wear the full khaki and would claim that the boots ruin her aesthetic. Her motto would be “Serve the country, but make it luxury.”

Captain Ri Would Organize a Coup  

Captain Ri would try to introduce North Korea-level order to a Nigerian camp and it would be tragic. He would attempt to clean the hostels, restructure the meal distribution system, and schedule quiet time. But the chaos would fight him. Eventually, he would resign himself to long walks at sunset, writing in a secret notebook about how the Nigerian sun is hotter than betrayal. Despite everything, he would still win Best Corper and not even know why.

Honestly, I don’t think any K-Drama character would last in NYSC camp without crying, plotting escape or developing trauma. But me? I’d pay real money to see Lee Min-ho scrubbing his white sneakers with Omo and sticks.

Which K-Drama character are you taking to camp as your bunk mate and why?
Let’s fight in the comments