The South Korean Army conducting training. (Yonhap)
SEOUL, Aug. 11 (Korea Bizwire) — South Korea’s military force has significantly dwindled, with total personnel expected to fall to 450,000 by July 2025, down from 560,000 in 2019. This marks a reduction of 110,000 soldiers over six years, a decline of more than 20%.
The reduction follows a broader trend that has seen the army’s ranks shrink dramatically, with the number of active-duty soldiers falling from 300,000 to 200,000 within the same period.
In response to this decline, the number of division-level and higher military units has also dropped, from 59 in 2006 to 42 in 2025. As a result, 17 units have been either dismantled or merged, including combat units in North Gyeonggi and Gangwon provinces. The reduction is part of a broader military reform aimed at adapting to the shrinking pool of recruits.
Additionally, the selection rate for military officers has plummeted. In 2019, about 90% of planned officer appointments were met, but by 2024, this figure had dropped to just 50%. This raises concerns about maintaining the required leadership for the military and could strain the operational capabilities of remaining units.
South Korean and U.S. Marine Corps personnel are conducting live-fire training with individual and crew-served weapons during the KMEP joint infantry training. (Photo courtesy of South Korean and U.S. Marine Corps)
While easing military enlistment standards has raised the enlistment rate to 86.7%, the gap created by South Korea’s low birth rate remains insurmountable. The Ministry of National Defense attributes the decline in recruits to the country’s aging population, the diminished appeal of military service, and improved conditions for soldiers, which have led to fewer applicants for leadership positions.
The impact of these personnel reductions is already being felt in the operational efficiency of the armed forces. The closure of military units has led to increased responsibilities for the remaining ones, putting additional strain on the army’s ability to perform efficiently.
To address these challenges, the Ministry has proposed measures such as reducing reserve forces and expanding the role of female soldiers. Additionally, increasing financial incentives for short-term enlistments and expanding civilian personnel for non-combat roles are under consideration.
Rep. Choo Mi-ae of the Democratic Party has called for the phased introduction of a voluntary military system, as well as further efforts to improve the conditions of service to ensure that South Korea’s military remains capable despite the shrinking personnel numbers.
M. H. Lee (mhlee@koreabizwire.com)
