Lee reiterates call for selective enlistment system to build 'smart, strong armed forces'

President Lee Jae Myung emphasized on Thursday the necessity for South Korea to adopt a selective enlistment system in order to elevate the nation's military to a "smart, elite and powerful" force, emphasizing advanced weaponry and technology. He expressed his unwavering dedication to this system, which aims to replace the majority of conscripts with a smaller, yet more professional and voluntary group of noncommissioned officers through attractive incentives like higher salaries.

This proposal, intended to preserve the existing conscription model eventually, arises as South Korea grapples with a declining birthrate. At a gathering with senior aides at Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul, President Lee stated that given the persistently low birth rate, sustaining the current military structure primarily based on manpower and infantry is both unfeasible and undesirable.

He suggested a redesigned system to aid young individuals serving in the military in constructing a brighter future. Lee urged officials to devise policies that would render military experience beneficial for obtaining well-paying jobs, and further education.