Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

South Korea's Military Faces Crisis Amid Population Decline

8/11/2025

41 6

Summary

Story summary

South Korea's military faces a critical challenge as troop numbers plummet to around 450,000, a staggering 20% drop in just six years. With the nation's birth rate at a record low of 0.75, projections indicate a population decline from 51.8 million in 2020 to just 36.2 million by 2072, raising urgent concerns for national security.

1 of 1

Story summary

South Korea's military faces a critical challenge as troop numbers plummet to around 450,000, a staggering 20% drop in just six years. With the nation's birth rate at a record low of 0.75, projections indicate a population decline from 51.8 million in 2020 to just 36.2 million by 2072, raising urgent concerns for national security.