Kim Dong-yeon, the Governor of Gyeonggi Province, who is running in the Democratic Party of Korea's presidential primary, outlined specific details about the pledge for a complete transition to a voluntary enlistment system on the 17th. The plan is to implement a "comprehensive voluntary enlistment system" for both men and women gradually by 2035.
The Kim camp introduced specific policy pledges in the afternoon, including ▲ the abolition of the Presidential Senior Secretary's Office and reduction of commissions ▲ dissolution of the Ministry of Economy and Finance ▲ deferred payment for college tuition ▲ complete transition to a voluntary enlistment system by 2035.
It was noted that a voluntary enlistment system would be implemented gradually for both men and women by 2035. This judgment stems from the expectation that the number of male conscription targets will continue to decrease, making it difficult to maintain a military force of 500,000, which consists of 300,000 enlisted soldiers and 200,000 officers.
Accordingly, the aim is to increase personnel centered around officers and expand the participation of women and civilian personnel to restructure the military force to about 400,000.
Koh Young Technology, a former member of the National Assembly who is the head supporter for the Kim camp, explained, "We will gradually transition to a voluntary enlistment system by 2035 and open the doors for women as well. The key point is to switch to a voluntary enlistment system that includes both men and women."
It was also noted that if the voluntary enlistment system is expanded and implemented alongside female and civilian personnel, approximately 80,000 jobs can be created. At the same time, the retirement age for military officers will be gradually extended to 60 years old, and at least 20 years of service will be guaranteed.
Other candidates' pledges related to the voluntary enlistment system were also pouring in.
Democratic Party of Korea candidate Lee Jae-myung, after visiting the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (ADD) and meeting with reporters, responded to the question, "Do you think the conscription system will be transitioned to a voluntary enlistment system?" by saying, "The issue of conscription and voluntary enlistment, as I mentioned during the last presidential election, should be operated as a 'selective voluntary enlistment system' that combines the advantages of both systems."