SKorean pop singer Psy may face GI blues

SEOUL - Prosecutors were Monday questioning South Korean pop star Psy on suspicion of dodging mandatory military service.

The questioning will focus on whether Psy -- Park Jae-Sang -- was qualified for a job in a software firm which he took as an alternative to military service, a prosecution official told AFP on condition of anonymity.

File photo of Psy (C) performing singing

South Korean men must serve in the military for at least two years unless they can claim special skills. If so, they can sometimes work in firms deemed to serve vital national interests as an alternative to the army.

The singer, dressed in a suit and tie, said he would "sincerely cooperate with the probe" while denying any wrongdoing, TV footage showed. On stage he is noted for his offbeat dress and behaviour.

If found guilty of dodging military service, Psy may be drafted into the army.

Draft-dodging is deep-rooted in South Korea, where many parents are willing to pay bribes to help their sons avoid tough military duty.

Prosecutors said last month they are expanding an investigation into companies suspected of taking bribes in return for helping young men dodge the army.

South Korea's 680,000-strong military, backed up by 29,500 US troops, faces off against North Korea's 1.1 million-strong armed forces.