"South Korea's Military Force of 450,000… One-Third of North Korea's"

Analysis from foreign media has indicated that South Korea's military force has decreased by 20% over the past six years due to declining birth rates, leading to growing security gaps. Concerns have also been raised about a potential shortage of troops in the event of a full-scale war with North Korea.

On the 14th (local time), CNN reported that the long-term decline in South Korea’s birth rate has resulted in serious disruptions in the operation of its military forces.

According to data submitted by the Ministry of National Defense to Chung Mi-ae, a member of the Democratic Party, the number of South Korean military personnel has decreased from 563,000 in 2019 to 450,000 at the end of last month, a reduction of 113,000.

The Ministry of National Defense's report identified the decline in the number of young people applying to become officers as a primary cause of the decrease in personnel. Chung expressed concern, stating, "As the number of active-duty soldiers continues to shrink, it will become challenging to secure elite personnel and there will be limitations in military equipment operation."

CNN highlighted the risks by comparing the situation with that of North Korea. According to the CIA World Factbook, North Korea possesses up to 1.3 million troops, which is three times the size of South Korea's military. The military service period in North Korea extends to 10 years, fostering unit cohesion and skill development, whereas South Korea's military service lasts only 18 months, limiting the acquisition of professional skills, CNN analyzed.

"North Korea Also Faces Declining Birth Rates… But Still a Threat"

CNN reported that North Korea is also facing a reduction in military personnel due to declining birth rates. However, it noted that North Korea is actively deploying women in communication, administrative, and anti-aircraft roles, mobilizing middle-aged women in civilian areas to fill personnel gaps.

Experts assessed that while North Korea leads in troop numbers, South Korea has a significant advantage in military equipment and technology.

Choi Byeong-wook, a professor of National Security Studies at Sangmyung University, explained to CNN, "South Korea is far ahead of North Korea in terms of conventional weaponry," adding, "Although smaller in size, it is evolving into a powerful military."

"Need for Improvement in Military Culture and Welfare"

CNN emphasized that to overcome the personnel shortage, South Korea needs to improve not only the number of troops but also the culture within the military. The decline in leadership personnel is attributed to a coercive culture within the military.

Professor Choi warned, "If military welfare and soldier morale are not improved overall, it will be difficult to maintain even 350,000 troops by the 2040s."

Image source: Republic of Korea Army / News1, Kim Jong-un observing special forces before deployment / National Intelligence Service, Republic of Korea Army in training / News1