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Low birth rates shrink South Korea's military

Ralph Martin

South Korea has an increasingly urgent problem: Its military is shrinking because of low birth rates. A new report has warned that the country is short tens of thousands of troops, casting doubt on defense readiness.

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South Korea's military faces a growing challenge: troop numbers have dropped from 690,000 in 2005 to just 450,000 in 2025. A new Defense Ministry report has warned that the country needs 50,000 more soldiers for full combat readiness.

The sharp decline is driven by the world's lowest birth rate, as fewer young men reach conscription age. Despite a defense budget larger than the economy of North Korea, South Korea's military future is uncertain.