A recent report from South Korea has unveiled a significant reduction in the size of its military forces, with a 20% decrease over the past six years.
This decline is attributed to a dwindling population of enlistment-age males, a consequence of the nation's alarmingly low birthrate, which is the lowest globally.
As reported by American Military News, the South Korean Ministry of National Defense's findings, shared by Reuters, reveal a drop from approximately 563,000 active-duty personnel in 2019 to around 450,000. This trend of diminishing numbers has persisted since the early 2000s when the military boasted about 690,000 troops. The shrinking pool of eligible males has also led to a reduction in military officers, potentially posing operational challenges if the trend continues.
In stark contrast, North Korea's military strength is estimated at 1.2 million active-duty troops, highlighting a significant disparity. The South Korean Ministry of Defense, as cited by The BBC, acknowledges this gap, noting that it places South Korea in a "structurally difficult position to succeed in defence."
The mandatory military service for all able-bodied South Korean males, lasting 18 months, faces challenges due to a 30% decline in the population of 20-year-old males from 2019 to 2025, as reported by Reuters. This demographic shift is compounded by South Korea's status as one of the fastest-aging populations globally, with a fertility rate that was the lowest worldwide in 2024.
The government anticipates a population decrease from approximately 51.8 million in 2020 to 36.2 million by 2072.
Despite a defense budget exceeding $43.9 billion for 2025, which surpasses the entire North Korean economy, South Korea's military is still 50,000 troops short of the Ministry of National Defense's preparedness target for potential future conflicts.
The report specifies that 21,000 of these additional troops are needed in non-commissioned officer ranks. This shortfall raises concerns about the nation's ability to maintain a robust defense posture amid regional tensions and evolving security dynamics.
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