{
  "id": 746916,
  "title": "Lee reiterates call for selective enlistment system to build 'smart, strong armed forces'",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/13/lee-reiterates-call-for-selective-enlistment-system-to-build-smart",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-08-13T08:37:03.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Korea Times",
    "slug": "the-korea-times",
    "url": "https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/southkorea/politics/20260813/lee-reiterates-call-for-selective-enlistment-system-to-build-smart-strong-armed-forces"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "President Lee Jae Myung emphasized the necessity for Korea to implement a selective enlistment system to enhance the country's armed forces into a \"intelligent, elite, and formidable military\" founded on cutting-edge equipment and technology. The president reiterated his enduring dedication to the system, which aims to replace the large conscript force with a smaller, yet professional and voluntary noncommissioned officer corps by offering advantages like higher salaries. This proposal, which eventually intends to maintain the conscription model, is being considered as Korea contends with a rapidly declining population. \"Facing the ongoing low birthrate, sustaining the present inefficient military structure dominated by manpower and infantry is neither practical nor desirable,\" Lee stated during a session with top advisors at Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul. The president suggested that the system should be restructured to assist young individuals serving in the military in building a brighter future. He urged officials to formulate policies that would render military experience advantageous for obtaining high-quality jobs, education opportunities.",
  "summary": "President Lee Jae Myung on Thursday stressed the need for Korea to adopt a selective enlistment system to transform the country’s armed forces into a “smart, elite and powerful military” centered on advanced equipment and technology. The president reaffirmed his long-standing commitment to the system, aimed at replacing rank-and-file conscripts with less, yet professional and volunteer…",
  "key_points": [
    "President Lee Jae Myung advocates selective enlistment system",
    "System aims to create intelligent, elite military with advanced tech",
    "Proposal addresses declining population and military inefficiency"
  ],
  "editors_take": "President Lee's push for a selective enlistment system signals a shift towards a more efficient, tech-driven military, offering young people a more valuable experience that can boost their future careers.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The Korea Times",
        "title": "Lee reiterates call for selective enlistment system to build 'smart, strong armed forces'",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/13/lee-reiterates-call-for-selective-enlistment-system-to-build-smart-747894",
        "published": "2026-08-13T08:52:02.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}