South Korean nationals of mixed heritage, who were previously exempted from serving in the nation's military, will be allowed to join the army from next year.

During a parliamentary audit and inspection session of the Military Manpower Administration on Thursday, MMA Commissioner Kim Doo-sung said that his office had decided to provide opportunities to Korea's sons and daughters of mixed ethnicity to enlist in the military from the first half of next year.

The commissioner said that those of mixed Korean heritage who are physically distinguishable from ethnic Koreans would be allowed to join the military voluntarily.

Koreans of mixed ethnicity who "appear" to resemble ethnic Koreans and who live with their mother will also be allowed to fulfill the nation's compulsory military service.