Lee Jae-myung: "Reduce Conscripts to 150,000 During Term and Introduce Selective Volunteer Military Service"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Koo Chae-eun] Lee Jae-myung, the presidential candidate of the Democratic Party of Korea, pledged to reduce the number of conscripted soldiers during the presidential term to 150,000 and implement a selective recruitment system. He also announced plans to raise soldiers' monthly salaries to over 2 million won by 2027.

On the 24th, Lee made these defense pledges at the Democratic Party headquarters in Yeouido, stating, "To develop into a smart military force applying advanced technology, the specialization of military personnel is essential." The defense pledges he announced include ▲ building a smart military force ▲ introducing a selective recruitment system ▲ gradually raising soldiers' salaries to the minimum wage level ▲ improving service conditions for soldiers ▲ and establishing a presidential defense innovation organization.

Regarding the selective recruitment system, he explained, "While maintaining the current national conscription system, this system allows those subject to military service to choose between 'conscripted soldiers' and 'technologically intensive combat non-commissioned officer recruitment.'" He added, "In areas requiring military expertise, technologically intensive combat non-commissioned officers and civilian employees will be assigned instead of conscripted soldiers." Lee emphasized, "Areas previously handled by conscripted soldiers, such as cooking and facility security, which can be better managed by the private sector, will be boldly outsourced to civilians." He highlighted that "this selective recruitment system will create about 100,000 youth jobs." Additionally, Lee pledged to guarantee soldiers' monthly salaries of over 2 million won by 2027.

Lee also revealed his plan to "establish a presidential defense innovation organization directly under the president so that the commander-in-chief can lead defense innovation personally." He stated, "In this era of great transformation, those who prepare will win," and added, "I, Lee Jae-myung, as the commander-in-chief, will personally lead and command defense innovation for South Korea's future security and a robust defense."