What is the story about?
What's Happening?
South Korea's military has experienced a significant reduction in its numbers, dropping below the 500,000 threshold deemed necessary for defense readiness. This decline is attributed to the country's low birth rate, which is the lowest in the world at 0.75 babies per woman. The military has shrunk by 20% over the past six years, with the number of divisions decreasing from 59 to 42. The South Korean government has been increasing its defense budget to counterbalance the reduced manpower, but the demographic trend poses a long-term challenge to maintaining a robust military force.
Why It's Important?
The shrinking military size in South Korea is a critical issue given the ongoing tensions with North Korea, which maintains a much larger active-duty force. This demographic challenge could weaken South Korea's defense capabilities and alter the balance of power on the Korean Peninsula. The situation also raises broader questions about national security and the sustainability of compulsory military service. The debate over military conscription, including potential gender equality measures, could lead to significant policy changes. The demographic crisis may also impact South Korea's economic and social structures, necessitating comprehensive national strategies.
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