Shortage of military forces in Korea, military service extended to 24 months, "recruitment of female soldiers" may be discussed

In response to the problem of military shortages in South Korea, "expansion of service period" and "recruitment of women" are being discussed as alternatives to solve this problem.

On May 11th, the Military Manpower Administration (MMA) held a forum on the development of the military service system in an age of population cliffs at the National Assembly Building with Shin Won-shik, a member of the People's Power, and Seongyukai, a group of reserve generals. This forum was held to discuss the military conscription system suitable for the future and the direction of development in the age of population cliffs.

Military Manpower Administration Director Lee Ki-sik stressed, "Facing the serious crisis of a declining youth population, we need to discuss the very big issue of maintaining a stable military force. This is an issue that should not be delayed any longer."

Dr. Cho Kwang-ho, a South Korean defense researcher who took the podium as a presenter, said, "If the service period is maintained at the current 18 months, there will be no doubt that there will be a major problem with the military strength. It should be expanded from 18 months to 21 months or 24 months and applied flexibly."

In addition, Yang Wook of the Asan Policy Research Institute said, "The most realistic way to solve the troop shortage problem is to create a reserve force. We should consider a plan to convert them to military or quasi-professional reserve forces."

Lee Han-ho, chairman of the Star Friendship Association, said, "We should seriously consider extending the service period to two years or more. It's definitely an issue that needs to be considered."