The number of Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) commissions in South Korea has fallen by 19% over the past four years, with the decline even more pronounced in Seoul, where it reached 39%—nearly
Analysts say the trend reflects a growing sentiment among college students to join the workforce sooner rather than spending extended time in the military. ROTC officers serve longer terms than enlisted soldiers, and the difference in pay has narrowed in recent years, making the officer route less appealing—particularly for students at top universities in Seoul who may have better job prospects.
According to Rep. Kang Dae-sik of the People Power Party, based on figures provided by the Army, a total of 2,450 ROTC cadets were commissioned this year as part of the 63rd class. That’s down 19%, or 585 individuals, from 3,035 four years ago.
ROTC officers undergo military science courses and basic training during their junior and senior years in college, then commission as second lieutenants upon graduation. Compared with graduates from the Korea Military Academy (231 commissioned this year), the Army Academy 3 at Yeongcheon (368), or Officer Candidate School (414 commissioned last year), ROTC produces the largest number of new officers and is considered a key pipeline for junior leadership. Most begin their careers as platoon leaders.
But in Seoul, the drop has been even sharper. Twenty-four universities in the capital—including Seoul National University, Yonsei University and Korea University—commissioned 394 ROTC officers this year, down from 649 in 2021. That’s a 39% decrease in four years.
At Seoul National University, the number fell from 22 to 8; at Yonsei, from 20 to 12; at Korea University, from 16 to 5. Hanyang University produced just two officers this year, down from 18, and Konkuk University dropped from 37 to 9. Overall, Seoul-based universities accounted for 16.1% of all ROTC commissions this year, down from 21.4% in 2021.
Flagship national universities in the provinces showed a similar pattern. Busan National University commissioned eight officers this year, down from 25 four years ago. Kyungpook National University went from 34 to 17, Chonnam National University from 44 to 21, and Chungbuk National University from 45 to 21.
Officer Candidate School programs also saw a downturn. The number of new Army officers commissioned through that route dropped 13% from 478 in 2021 (Class 66) to 414 last year (Class 69).
Although a shrinking youth population plays a role, experts say changes in service conditions are just as important. Enlisted soldiers serve for 18 months, while ROTC officers must serve 28 months—and that doesn’t include the roughly three months of basic training they complete during college vacations. Officer candidates, who join after college, train for four months and then serve for 36 months. In effect, officers are required to stay in the military one to two years longer than their enlisted counterparts.
Meanwhile, pay differences have narrowed. This year, enlisted sergeants earn 1.5 million won ($1022) per month while newly commissioned second lieutenants receive $1288. The gap has led to growing dissatisfaction among officers. For students at highly ranked universities, particularly in Seoul, staying longer in the military appears less attractive than graduating early, entering the workforce, and beginning their careers in higher-paying private sector jobs.
In an effort to reverse the trend, the Army has ramped up its promotional efforts. ROTC units now set up booths on campus early in the semester and put up posters to attract recruits. The Army’s ROTC recruitment budget jumped from around $73,600 in 2021 to about $251,880 last year. Seoul National University’s ROTC program also increased its scholarship support, raising the monthly stipend from $204 to $681 last year.
