Korea considers drafting orphans, N. Korean defectors amid population decline

Men wait for a physical examination prior to conscription at the Gyeonggi-Incheon Regional Military Manpower Administration in Suwon, Gyeonggi Province, Feb. 1. Newsis

The Military Manpower Administration (MMA) has been considering expanding military conscription to orphans and North Korean defectors to compensate for armed forces personnel shortages and the low birthrate, an opposition lawmaker said Saturday.

All able-bodied South Korean men are required to complete nearly two years of military service as the country remains technically at war with North Korea since the 1953 Korean Armistice Agreement. But orphans and North Korean defectors are not subject to conscription.

The policy study report by the MMA, released by Rep. Ki Dong-min of the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea, raised the possibility of conscripting orphans and North Korean defectors, citing that available resources have decreased due to the demographic cliff caused by the country's low birthrate.

The report was created by external researchers upon the request of the MMA in 2021.

The report marked “growing concerns over the weakening of combat strength following the shrinking number of troops,” especially considering that North Korea is modernizing its military strength and advancing its nuclear technologies despite an economic crisis.

“Thus, the country should expand the target of conscription for mandatory military service to upgrade its warfare capabilities,” the report said. “Orphans and North Korean defectors’ fulfillment of military requirements should be considered.”

The report pointed out that fulfilling mandatory military service could also contribute to improving equity and fairness related to conscription and help orphans and North Korean defectors’ social integration into society.

Though the report was funded by the MMA’s policy research budget, it noted the conclusion does not reflect the official view of the administration.

Korea is forecast to see its population plummet further. The number of 20-year-old men, which stood at around 330,000 in 2020, is expected to shrink to 230,000 in 2025 and 150,000 by 2040.

The MMA estimates around 600 to 700 orphans and 150 to 250 North Korean defectors would be subject to conscription every year.

The lawmaker said he agreed with the seriousness of the projected shortage of military conscripts but expressed concerns about the policy change.

“Orphans and North Korean defectors are socially vulnerable groups who need to be protected from economic inequality and social prejudices,” Rep. Ki said, urging the government to reach a social consensus before implementing the change.