South Korea's military has shrunk by 20% in six years as male population drops

South Korea military shrinks as population declines

Its size has fallen below the 500,000 troops experts say are needed to handle a North Korean attack.

South Korea’s Military Has Shrunk by 20% in Six Years As Male Population Drops - Other Media news - Tasnim News Agency

TEHRAN (Tasnim) – South Korea’s military shrank by 20 percent in the past six years to 450,000 troops, largely due to a sharp drop in the population of males of enlistment age for mandatory service in the country with the world’s lowest birthrate, a report said on Sunday.

South Korea’s Military Shrinks 20% in Six Years Amid Declining Male Population

South Korea’s active-duty forces have dropped to 450,000, down 20% since 2019, as the pool of enlistment-age men declines due to the world’s lowest birthrate. The shortfall is affecting officer numbers and defence readiness, despite a $43.9 billion defence budget.

South Korea's military has shrunk by 20% in six years as male population drops

South Korea's military shrank by 20% in the past six years to 450,000 troops, largely due to a sharp drop in the population of males of enlistment age for mandatory service in the country with the world's lowest birthrate, a report said on Sunday.

South Korea’s Military Shrinks By 20% In Six Years As Male Population Declines

South Korea's military reduced by 20% in six years to 450,000 troops due to fewer enlistment-age males, causing officer shortages and operational issues.

South Korea’s military shrinks 20% in 6 years

The country, which has seen a sharp drop in the number of men of enlistment age, is one of the fastest ageing societies and has the lowest fertility rate in the world.