South Korea rules out female conscription despite military manpower concerns

South Korea's military manpower chief has categorically ruled out introducing female conscription to address demographic pressures facing the country's defence capabilities. The statement comes as military planners confront the reality of a rapidly diminishing population of conscription-eligible men, a trend demographers project will worsen substantially in the coming decades.

The country, which maintains compulsory military service for men amid ongoing tensions with North Korea, currently relies exclusively on male recruits to fill its ranks. With fewer young men entering the recruitment pool each year, defence officials have been weighing various options to maintain force strength and operational readiness.

Although the manpower chief has foreclosed the option of mandatory female service, South Korea continues to expand voluntary opportunities for women in uniform. Female soldiers already serve in non-combat and support roles across the military branches, though their participation remains limited compared to conscripted males.

The demographic crisis intensifying after 2040 will coincide with South Korea's already low birth rate, one of the lowest globally. Military strategists are reportedly exploring alternative solutions, including enhanced training efficiency, technological modernisation, and potential adjustments to service terms for male conscripts, to sustain defence capabilities without broadening the conscription mandate.