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| RoK Type 88 K1 Main Battle Tank (Image: Wiki Commons) |
By Andrew Kwon
Demographics pose a challenge to the ROK’s security. Fortunately, an answer may be at hand.
Once boasting one of the youngest populations (PDF) among OECD countries, current projections suggest that the Republic of Korea (ROK) will be among the oldest within the century. In light of this daunting demographic hurdle, the ROK must look to a future where, in place of people, it will need to turn to technology to sustain its national security.
Considerable work and discussion in recent years have been devoted to the effects of an aging population in Northeast Asia, particularly the ROK. Given the statistical projections, this is unsurprising. According to the Korean Statistical Information Service (KOSIS), in 2050, 36 to 39 percent of South Koreans will be 65 or older. This scenario produces a set of circumstances that will challenge the status quo. As shown by a Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) report (PDF) on the issue, an aging population will not only acutely effect economic output in the ROK, but also create social disruptions due to pressure on societal norms, particularly the treatment of the elderly and gender equality. Perhaps even more interesting, however, is the looming impact on national security given the importance of conscription to the ROK Armed Forces.
Read the full story at The Diplomat