President Lee Jae-myung said on the 13th that he would introduce a "selective volunteer military system" to respond to a decline in troop resources due to low birthrates and reorganize the military, which is centered on manpower and infantry, around advanced equipment and technology.
On the afternoon of the same day at the Yeomingwan building in the Blue House, Lee presided over the 43rd senior secretaries' meeting and said, "Because of the continuing low birthrate, it is neither feasible nor desirable to maintain the current inefficient military structure centered on manpower and infantry," adding, "We must swiftly and seamlessly push a 'defense reform' that introduces a 'selective volunteer military system' to transform our military into a smart, elite force centered on advanced equipment and technology."
The selective volunteer military system keeps the framework of conscription while selecting applicants in some units and specialized fields for long-term service. It differs from the so-called "full volunteer military system," which converts the military service obligation itself into a volunteer system.
He emphasized, "The battlefield environment of our military is changing rapidly around artificial intelligence and drone robots," and, "To prepare for future warfare in which vast amounts of information are analyzed in real time and advanced weapons are投入 en masse, a strategy to reorganize the defense system around technology and advanced equipment is essential."
He added, "What is important in this process is redesigning the system so that our young people, the main players in defense, can plan for a better life in the future," and, "A truly strong military is built when young people find meaning in military service and when the military firmly supports their entry into society."
Lee also said, "I hope policies will be crafted in detail so that serving in the military can become a foundation for good jobs, high-quality education, and stable asset building," adding, "It is a grave responsibility of our administration to ensure that military life does not feel like a waste or a loss in life."
He also called for improving treatment for junior officers. Lee said, "I ask that you move quickly and boldly," adding, "Please do your utmost to identify and promptly implement the necessary financial and institutional support policies."
He also asked for attention to protecting and restoring social minorities and crime victims.
Lee said, "In recent years, reports of relationship-based crimes such as stalking, dating violence, and domestic violence have continued to increase," adding, "In most cases the victims are social minorities, including women and adolescents, so we must pay particular attention to victim support, protection, and recovery measures."
He added, "I ask the relevant agencies to carry out every necessary measure from the reporting stage with a victim-centered, victim-first perspective, even to the point it might seem excessive," and, "During the separation of investigative and prosecutorial powers, ensure there are no gaps in responding to crimes targeting women and adolescents by enabling the relevant ministries to properly supplement the system."