▲ President Lee Jae Myung speaks at a meeting with his senior aides at Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul on Aug. 13, 2026. (Yonhap)

SEOUL, Aug. 13 (Yonhap) -- President Lee Jae Myung instructed his aides Thursday to swiftly pursue defense reforms centered on building a "smart" military through advanced technologies and selective conscription.

Lee gave the instruction at a meeting with his senior aides at Cheong Wa Dae, saying the country's persistently low birth rate makes it impossible and undesirable to maintain an "inefficient military structure" that relies on personnel and infantry.

"We must introduce selective conscription and quickly and thoroughly pursue defense reforms that transform our military into a smart, elite and strong military centered on advanced equipment and technologies," he said.

"What is important in the process is that we redesign the system so that the youth, who are the backbone of national defense, can plan a better life for their future."

In South Korea, all able-bodied men are required to serve at least 18 months in the military. Others are either exempt or have to carry out alternative forms of service.

Lee called for policies that will ensure service in the military leads to good jobs and education, as well as stable wealth accumulation.

"It is a big responsibility of the government to make sure people do not think their time in the military is a waste of their lives or a loss," he said.

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