The pool of available males for military service in South Korea is dramatically declining, causing a shortfall in military officers and operational difficulties. As of 2019, there were about 563,000 active-duty soldiers, down from 690,000 in the early 2000s. By 2025, the population of eligible 20-year-old males decreased by 30% to 230,000. Despite a large defence budget exceeding 61 trillion won by 2025, the military is 50,000 troops short of adequate readiness, emphasizing the long-term demographic challenges faced by South Korea's military.
The dramatic decline in the pool of available males for military service is also causing a shortfall in the number of officers and could result in operational difficulty if it continues.
The population of 20-year-old males declined by 30pc to 230,000 between 2019 and 2025, significantly impacting military enlistment and capability.
South Korea's military has been steadily declining, with about 563,000 active-duty soldiers and officers reported in 2019, compared to 690,000 in the early 2000s.
South Korea's defence budget is more than 61 trillion won in 2025, but the military is still 50,000 troops short for full defence readiness.
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