Nearly 60% of South Korea’s residents support the introduction of mandatory military service for young women on par with men, according to a recent poll. This may indicate a significant change in attitude toward an issue that has long remained a kind of taboo in the country.
Thousands of women already serve in South Korea’s armed forces on a voluntary basis, but the issue of their mandatory conscription remains sensitive. It has come back into focus due to the declining birth rate and the reduction in the number of recruits, as well as amid discussions about gender equality. The debate has intensified ahead of the reform of the country’s basic defense plan, which is expected to be presented this autumn.
At the same time, some experts believe that women should not be involved in frontline service. In their opinion, South Korea should invest more in drones and other modern military technologies.
Changing traditional roles and gender equality
“The male-oriented conscription system in South Korea has long been closely linked to traditional gender roles,” said Hyobin Lee, a professor at Sogan University in Seoul. She explained to DW that men have traditionally been expected to protect the country and family and participate in war, while women were to take primary responsibility for childbirth, childcare, and housekeeping.
Another factor is the intensification of discussions about gender equality, largely driven by the position of young men, she added.
“South Korean men usually serve in the military in their early 20s, which interrupts their education, employment, or the start of their careers,” said Lee. At the same time, gender equality has become an increasingly important social value, and women’s opportunities in education and employment have expanded.
“As a result, some young men ask a very simple question: if society expects equality in rights and opportunities, why is one of the most important civic duties — military service — still imposed only on men?” she noted.
Another factor is the changing nature of military service itself. The army is gradually moving away from physically demanding combat tasks traditionally considered more suitable for men and increasingly relying on technology. This includes unmanned systems, cyber capabilities, information and communication technologies, and other areas where physical strength is not decisive.
Poll results and demographic decline
According to a study conducted by the Institute for Reforms — a research unit of the conservative Reform Party — and published on August 20, nearly 60% of respondents supported changing the legislation to require women to serve in the military. 34% of those surveyed opposed the idea.
Among men, nearly 65% of respondents supported this proposal. In the age group of men aged 20 to 30, the proportion of supporters reached 71.7%. Among women of all age groups, support was 54.5%.
Currently, all men fit for service in South Korea are required to serve in the military for a period of 18 to 21 months. In the event of an emergency, including war on the Korean Peninsula, they may also be recalled for service.
Recent data, however, indicates a serious shortage of personnel in South Korea’s armed forces. According to the Ministry of Defense, in 2019, about 332,000 men were eligible for mandatory military service. By 2022, this figure had dropped to 257,000, and by 2043, it is projected to decrease to just 120,000.
Source: Deutsche Welle
