South Korea's Military Shrinks by 20% Amid Declining Birthrate
South Korea's military has reduced by 20% over six years, now totaling 450,000 personnel, primarily due to the country's low birthrate and demographic challenges.
South Korea's military has shrunk by 20% in the last six years, now comprising approximately 450,000 personnel, according to a report from the defense ministry.
The primary factor behind this decline is the nation's birth rate, which stands at the world’s lowest rate of 0.75 babies per woman.
The country’s military structure remains largely shaped by its ongoing state of tension with neighboring North Korea, with South Korea technically still at war.
South Korea’s compulsory military service requires all able-bodied men to serve 18 months, but the declining number of young men available for service has become a major issue.
A study published by South Korean researchers in July suggested the country would need at least 500,000 soldiers to effectively defend against an attack from North Korea, which has around 1.3 million active-duty personnel.
Despite the growing defense budget—set to exceed 60 trillion won (roughly 43 billion USD) in 2025—South Korea’s military divisions have dropped from 59 to 42 since 2006.
Military units have either disbanded or merged due to the manpower shortage.
The debate surrounding conscription, especially the notion of extending it to women, has gained traction in light of the demographic crisis.
South Korea’s birthrate has consistently declined, setting new records for the world’s lowest rate each year, and if this trend continues, experts predict the population could halve in 60 years.
The primary factor behind this decline is the nation's birth rate, which stands at the world’s lowest rate of 0.75 babies per woman.
The country’s military structure remains largely shaped by its ongoing state of tension with neighboring North Korea, with South Korea technically still at war.
South Korea’s compulsory military service requires all able-bodied men to serve 18 months, but the declining number of young men available for service has become a major issue.
A study published by South Korean researchers in July suggested the country would need at least 500,000 soldiers to effectively defend against an attack from North Korea, which has around 1.3 million active-duty personnel.
Despite the growing defense budget—set to exceed 60 trillion won (roughly 43 billion USD) in 2025—South Korea’s military divisions have dropped from 59 to 42 since 2006.
Military units have either disbanded or merged due to the manpower shortage.
The debate surrounding conscription, especially the notion of extending it to women, has gained traction in light of the demographic crisis.
South Korea’s birthrate has consistently declined, setting new records for the world’s lowest rate each year, and if this trend continues, experts predict the population could halve in 60 years.
