Why some North Korean defectors don’t want exemption from ROK military service



Analysis Why some North Korean defectors don’t want exemption from ROK military service South Korea considering mandatory conscription for escapees, and experts say it could help defectors integrate into ROK Lina Park October 23, 2023 SHARE COPY LINK FACEBOOK X LINKEDIN MASTODON Korean soldiers boarding a train \| Image: Korea Army Training Center Facebook South Korea is considering expanding mandatory military conscription to include North Korean defectors and orphans, as the country grapples with growing manpower shortages. In a 2021 policy study report released for the first time earlier this month, the Military Manpower Administration (MMA) indicated that it is exploring the possibility due to the impact of record-low birthrates on the country’s armed forces. South Korea is considering expanding mandatory military conscription to include North Korean defectors and orphans, as the country grapples with growing manpower shortages. In a 2021 policy study report released for the first time earlier this month, the Military Manpower Administration (MMA) indicated that it is exploring the possibility due to the impact of record-low birthrates on the country’s armed forces. Become a member for less than $5.75 per week. Unlimited access to all of NK News: reporting, investigations, analysis The NK News Daily Update, an email newsletter to keep you in the loop Searchable archive of all content, photo galleries, special columns Contact NK News reporters with tips or requests for reporting Get unlimited access to all NK News content, including original reporting, investigations, and analyses by our team of DPRK experts. Subscribe now All major cards accepted. No commitments – you can cancel any time. © Korea Risk Group. All rights reserved. No part of this content may be reproduced, distributed, or used for commercial purposes without prior written permission from Korea Risk Group. Get the Daily Update Start your day with the North Korea stories that matter most – as selected by And how should we address you in correspondence? One more step! Please check your inbox, for an email we just sent you, and click on the confirmation message in it to get subscribed to our Daily News Update. Trending

Analysis

Why some North Korean defectors don’t want exemption from ROK military service

South Korea considering mandatory conscription for escapees, and experts say it could help defectors integrate into ROK

Lina Park October 23, 2023

Why some North Korean defectors don’t want exemption from ROK military service

Korean soldiers boarding a train | Image: Korea Army Training Center Facebook

South Korea is considering expanding mandatory military conscription to include North Korean defectors and orphans, as the country grapples with growing manpower shortages.

In a 2021 policy study report released for the first time earlier this month, the Military Manpower Administration (MMA) indicated that it is exploring the possibility due to the impact of record-low birthrates on the country’s armed forces.

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Lina Park

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