By Jun Ji-hye
The government and the ruling Saenuri Party agreed Tuesday to allocate additional funds to allow for more enlistment into the military as part of an attempt to reduce unemployment among young people.
The number of those enlisted would increase by 20,000 over the next two years ― 10,000 per annum, officials said.
Rep. Kim Moo-sung, chairman of the ruling party, and Rep. Kim Jung-hoon, the chairman of the party's policy committee, along with Defense Minister Han Min-koo, agreed to secure an additional 60 billion won ($53 million) government budget to enlist more soldiers.
The measure came as more young people are applying to join the military amid rising youth unemployment. They are choosing to serve in the military as an alternative after failing to get jobs, officials said.
Party Chairman Rep. Kim said, "Being enlisted can be an alternative for those who suffer high youth unemployment rates. If the government fails to support them, it would be a big disappointment for the people."
According to data the Military Manpower Administration submitted to the National Assembly, the competition rate to join the Army, Navy, Air Force and the Marine Corps from January to July went up to 7.5:1 from 6:1 of last year.
Officials noted that about 250,000 men are enlisted every year on average, and this number will increase to 260,000 in 2016 and 270,000 in 2017.
The Ministry of National Defense said current facilities can accommodate an additional 20,000 men.
The government and the governing party also agreed to push to revise a relevant law to increase the number of those allowed to work in companies instead of serving in the military to 4,000 from the current 2,000.
"Lawmakers should feel the seriousness of high youth unemployment rates and hurry to pass the relevant revision," said Kim.
Follow Jun Ji-hye on Twitter @TheKopJihye
The government and the ruling Saenuri Party agreed Tuesday to allocate additional funds to allow for more enlistment into the military as part of an attempt to reduce unemployment among young people.
The number of those enlisted would increase by 20,000 over the next two years ― 10,000 per annum, officials said.
Rep. Kim Moo-sung, chairman of the ruling party, and Rep. Kim Jung-hoon, the chairman of the party's policy committee, along with Defense Minister Han Min-koo, agreed to secure an additional 60 billion won ($53 million) government budget to enlist more soldiers.
The measure came as more young people are applying to join the military amid rising youth unemployment. They are choosing to serve in the military as an alternative after failing to get jobs, officials said.
Party Chairman Rep. Kim said, "Being enlisted can be an alternative for those who suffer high youth unemployment rates. If the government fails to support them, it would be a big disappointment for the people."
According to data the Military Manpower Administration submitted to the National Assembly, the competition rate to join the Army, Navy, Air Force and the Marine Corps from January to July went up to 7.5:1 from 6:1 of last year.
Officials noted that about 250,000 men are enlisted every year on average, and this number will increase to 260,000 in 2016 and 270,000 in 2017.
The Ministry of National Defense said current facilities can accommodate an additional 20,000 men.
The government and the governing party also agreed to push to revise a relevant law to increase the number of those allowed to work in companies instead of serving in the military to 4,000 from the current 2,000.
"Lawmakers should feel the seriousness of high youth unemployment rates and hurry to pass the relevant revision," said Kim.
Follow Jun Ji-hye on Twitter @TheKopJihye
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