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| ▲ Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back (C) speaks to reporters during a dinner meeting on April 7, 2026, in this photo provided by the defense ministry. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap) |
defense chief-military reform
Defense chief urges military reform amid demographic, warfare shifts
By Lee Minji
SEOUL, April 8 (Yonhap) -- Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back has underscored the need to revamp the structure of the armed forces, such as adopting a selective conscription system, as the military faces both a rapidly aging population and changes in future warfare trends.
Ahn's remarks came as South Korea braces for a drastic population decline, which signals a fall in military manpower resources, in a country where all able-bodied men are mandated to serve at least 18 months.
"New warfare trends are expanding, with asymmetric trends, in which cheap drones neutralize high-priced weapons built with cutting technology, are becoming the norm," Ahn told defense press corps reporters late Tuesday.
"At the same time, a demographic cliff, which has been often talked about, will soon become a reality for our security," Ahn said.
Against such a backdrop, Ahn floated the idea of a selective conscript system, in which conscripts can choose whether to serve the usual mandatory military service or instead serve up to five years as a skilled non-commissioned officer specialized in technologies.
The defense chief's remarks came after President Lee Jae Myung recently mentioned the selective conscription system during a meeting of military leaders and urged the armed forces to speed up reform efforts to prepare for the future battlefield.
While stressing that the envisioned system does not allow potential conscripts to completely opt out of military service, Ahn said he aims to draw up some 50,000 non-commissioned officers under such a system and support their employment after completing military service.
As part of wider efforts to tackle demographic changes, Ahn said the defense ministry also seeks to cut the number of troops deployed to border units by introducing surveillance systems equipped with artificial intelligence technology and outsource rear and coastal surveillance functions to the Coast Guard and the civilian sector.
Meanwhile, when asked about the possible restoration of a suspended inter-Korean pact aimed at easing military tensions, Ahn said the ministry will handle the agenda "in accordance with changing circumstances."
The pact was signed in September 2018 under the liberal administration of former President Moon Jae-in and was primarily aimed at halting provocative military actions by both sides along the tense inter-Korean border.
In response to the North's military reconnaissance satellite launch in 2023, the following Yoon Suk Yeol administration partially suspended the pact before halting it completely in June 2024, citing provocations from Pyongyang. The North has also renounced the pact.
"Moves to ease regulations in aerial space have somewhat faltered amid inter-Korean tensions," Ahn said.
"But I believe the appropriate attitude should be for the one with more power to first hold out its hand for a peaceful mood on the Korean Peninsula ... we plan to take various measures in accordance with changing circumstances."
Mentioning his recent meetings with U.S. Congress delegations visiting South Korea, Ahn said he requested their support as South Korea seeks to accelerate efforts for its envisioned nuclear-powered submarine.
Working-level talks between the two sides may take place as early as April, according to the ministry.
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