US EditionSouth Korea's Military Faces 50,000-Troop Shortfall After Force Shrinks 20%
- Over the last six years, the size of South Korea's armed forces has decreased by one-fifth, now numbering approximately 450,000 personnel.
- This decrease is linked to a significant reduction in the number of men eligible for mandatory military service, a trend driven by South Korea’s fertility rate reaching a record low of 0.75 in 2024.
- South Korea's population peaked at 51.8 million in 2020 and is projected by the government to fall to 36.2 million by 2072, intensifying demographic pressures on military recruitment.
- From 2019 to 2025, the number of 20-year-old males—typically those eligible for military service—dropped by nearly one-third, reaching approximately 230,000. This decrease has led to a shortage of about 50,000 soldiers, including 21,000 non-commissioned officers, posing potential challenges to South Korea's military readiness, according to the defense ministry.
- The continued decline suggests potential operational difficulties for South Korea's defense, despite a 2025 defense budget exceeding 61 trillion won and technological advances shortening service periods.
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Between 2019 and 2025, military ranks rose from more than 560,000 to 450,000, in a context of low birth rate and accelerated ageing.
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources70
Leaning Left7Leaning Right15Center13Last UpdatedBias Distribution43% Right
Bias Distribution
- 43% of the sources lean Right
43% Right
L 20%
C 37%
R 43%
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