World News
South Korea considers female conscription amid demographic decline
A recent survey shows majority support for mandatory military service for women as the country's pool of eligible male recruits shrinks.
The short version
- A new survey shows nearly 60% of South Koreans support mandating military service for women, amid growing debate over gender equality and civic duties.
- South Korea is facing a severe "demographic cliff," with the pool of eligible male recruits projected to fall from 332,000 in 2019 to 120,000 by 2043.
- Opponents argue conscription could further burden women and depress the country's record-low birth rate, suggesting the military should instead focus on advanced technology like drones.
Key facts
- An August 20, 2026, survey by the Reform Institute found that almost 60% of South Korean respondents support requiring women to undergo national service, while 34% are opposed.[Deutsche Welle]
- Support for female conscription is higher among men (64.5%) than women (54.5%), peaking at 71.7% among men in their 20s and 30s.[Deutsche Welle]
- South Korea's eligible male recruit pool declined from 332,000 in 2019 to 257,000 in 2022 and is projected to shrink to 120,000 by 2043.[Deutsche Welle]
- Currently, all able-bodied South Korean men are required to complete between 18 and 21 months of military service.[Deutsche Welle]
- South Korea's government is currently reviewing its conscription and defense plans, with a reformed national defense plan scheduled for release in autumn 2026.[Deutsche Welle]
What remains uncertain
- It remains unclear whether the government will formally propose female conscription in its upcoming defense reform, as Military Manpower Commissioner Hong So-young has only called for a "fundamental" overhaul without directly commenting on mandatory service for women.[Deutsche Welle]
Sources
- South Korea leans toward military conscription for womenDeutsche Welle