A report from the South Korean Ministry of National Defense shows that the size of the South Korean military has decreased by 20% in the past six years, to about 450000 people, mainly due to a sharp decline in the male population of appropriate age. The report suggests that the significant decline in the number of eligible males has also led to a shortage of non commissioned officers, and if this trend continues, it may pose difficulties for the operation of the military. The report stated that the size of the South Korean military gradually decreased from about 690000 people in the early 2000s, and the reduction rate accelerated in the late 2010s. According to South Korean government data, the population of 20-year-old males in South Korea decreased by 30% between 2019 and 2025, to 230000 people. 20 years old is the age at which most South Korean men enlist through a medical examination. Reuters mentioned that South Korea's defense budget for 2025 will exceed 61 trillion Korean won (approximately 315.4 billion yuan), but the military believes that the number of troops is still 50000 less than what is needed to maintain combat readiness, with a shortage of about 21000 non commissioned officers. South Korea is one of the countries with the fastest aging population in the world, with a total fertility rate of 0.75 in 2024, the lowest in the world. The Korean government predicts that the national population will decline from the peak of 51.8 million in 2020 to 36.2 million in 2072. According to reports cited by South Korean media, during the process of downsizing, a total of 17 divisions and above units of the South Korean military will be disbanded or reorganized. The active military force has decreased from 563000 in 2019 to 450000 by July 2025, with the army experiencing a reduction of over 100000 personnel. The report mentioned that South Korean military officials see the low birth rate as the main reason for the shrinking number of troops, and expect this situation to become even more severe in the future. To this end, the South Korean Ministry of National Defense is considering measures such as increasing the recruitment rate of female soldiers, providing rewards for short-term service, and reducing the allocation of men to non combat positions. However, critics argue that these measures are insufficient to address the structural shortage of troops. A senior South Korean Defense Ministry official cited by Reuters, who declined to be named, said that although advanced weapons and more comprehensive training can to some extent compensate for the shortage of troops, "there is a limit to using technology to replace manpower". (New Society)