South Korea Military Shrinks 20% Amid Lowest Global Birthrate

South Korea's military has contracted by 20% over the past six years, shrinking to approximately 450,000 troops, primarily due to a significant decline in the population of males eligible for mandatory military service amid the world's lowest birthrate. The pool of 20-year-old males, the typical enlistment age, dropped by 30% between 2019 and 2025, leading to a shortage of officers and a 50,000-troop deficit needed for full operational readiness, especially in the non-commissioned officer ranks. Despite a defense budget exceeding $43.9 billion and advancements in military capability supported by the U.S. alliance and a strong domestic defense industry, demographic challenges continue to impact military manpower. South Korea's population peaked in 2020 and is projected to decline significantly by 2072, reflecting broader societal aging and workforce concerns. This demographic trend mirrors similar issues in countries like China, which is also revising its population policies to counteract the fallout from previous restrictions. The military's reduced personnel capacity contrasts sharply with North Korea's estimated active-duty military of about 1.2 million, underscoring the strategic challenges faced by South Korea.