South Korea’s New Reform Party has committed to requiring candidates for police, fire, and corrections roles to have completed military service by 2030, irrespective of gender. The party’s leader, Lee Jun-seok, emphasized the importance of dedication and integrity in serving the nation for a year or two rather than merely excelling in examinations. He said, “Exceptions will be made for those who face challenges in fulfilling military duties.”
The New Choice Party, co-founded by former lawmakers Keum Tae-sup and Ryu Ho-jeong, advocates for gender equality in military service as a potential remedy for societal gender conflicts. Meanwhile, the ruling People Power Party (PPP) and the main opposition Democratic Party have yet to address the issue of diminishing military capabilities. Despite the anticipated intense debate, the discussion of this critical national matter is deemed significant.
The declining fertility rate in Korea signals an inevitable reduction in military personnel. South Korea’s ground forces, currently numbering approximately 360,000, contrast with North Korea’s 1.1 million. Forecasts predict a decrease to 290,000 within a decade and 190,000 within two decades, while North Korea’s forces remain above a million. This growing gap raises concerns about maintaining defense capabilities in the face of such numerical disparity. Although drones and AI technologies offer some supplementation, the critical role of human soldiers in combat is underscored by historical precedents. The intense conflicts, such as Ukraine’s ongoing struggle with Russia, highlight the decisive impact of manpower. This is further evidenced by the sustained high troop levels of the U.S. military, which maintains a force exceeding 1.3 million despite its advanced technological arsenal.
Kim Jong-un’s assertion of pacifying South Korea underscores the urgency for political leaders to address the dwindling military resources and propose viable solutions. Increasing troop numbers necessitates exploring new sources or extending service durations. However, recent trends have seen politicians reducing service lengths for populism, undermining the effectiveness of military training. The current 18-month service period is insufficient for soldiers to acquire essential military skills before discharge.
The conversation must now include the potential for women’s military service, recognizing the existing contribution of over 15,000 women in various military capacities. Women have proven capable in numerous roles, from administrative duties to operating advanced technology. They drive tanks, serve in special forces, and even work on submarines, challenging the traditional ‘men-only’ barriers. Women can do anything from administrative support to piloting drones. While integrating women into the military presents challenges, starting with a volunteer system could be a viable initial step, especially considering that women are currently only recruited for officer and non-commissioned officer positions. A societal dialogue and consensus on this matter are crucial, particularly for the PPP and the main opposition party to demonstrate their commitment to national security.
