South Korea debates mandatory military service for women

A recent survey by the Reform Institute indicates that nearly 60% of South Koreans support requiring young women to complete mandatory military service. This shift in public opinion comes as the nation faces a severe demographic crisis; the number of men eligible for service is projected to drop from 332,000 in 2019 to just 120,000 by 2043 due to falling birth rates.

Support for the measure is particularly high among men, with 65% in favor overall and 71.7% among those in their 20s and 30s. Among women, 54.5% expressed support. The debate has resurfaced ahead of a national defense reform plan expected this autumn.

Experts note that the current male-centered conscription system is closely tied to traditional gender roles. Hyobin Lee, a professor at Sogang University, observed that younger men are increasingly questioning why civic obligations fall solely on them if society expects equality in rights and opportunities. While some suggest focusing on technological advancements like unmanned systems and cyber capabilities to offset manpower shortages, the pressure for reform grows as the pool of eligible recruits shrinks.