South Korea's military has shrunk by 20% in six years as male population drops
14 days ago
- #demographics
- #defence
- #military
- South Korea's military has shrunk by 20% in the past six years to 450,000 troops.
- The decline is largely due to a sharp drop in the male population of enlistment age, linked to the world's lowest birthrate.
- The shortage of available males is causing a shortfall in officers and potential operational difficulties.
- South Korea's military has been declining since the early 2000s, from about 690,000 soldiers to 563,000 in 2019.
- North Korea's active-duty military is estimated at 1.2 million, according to 2022 data.
- The population of 20-year-old males declined by 30% between 2019 and 2025, affecting enlistment numbers.
- Military service periods have been shortened to 18 months, citing improved capabilities and a strong U.S. alliance.
- South Korea's defence budget for 2025 is over US$43.9 billion, larger than North Korea's estimated economy.
- The military is short by 50,000 troops needed for adequate defence readiness, with 21,000 in non-commissioned officer ranks.
- South Korea has the world's lowest fertility rate (0.75 in 2024) and is rapidly ageing, with population expected to shrink to 36.2 million by 2072.