Group 1 - The South Korean military has reduced its size by 20% over the past six years, from 690,000 to 450,000 personnel, primarily due to a sharp decline in the male population eligible for conscription [1][3] - The number of active-duty soldiers and officers was approximately 563,000 in 2019 and is projected to decrease to 450,000 by July 2025, indicating a shortfall of 50,000 personnel needed to maintain a ceasefire status [1][3] - The number of divisions has decreased from 59 in 2006 to 42 currently, with 17 divisions being disbanded or merged, mainly affecting combat units in the Gangwon and northern Gyeonggi provinces [1][3] Group 2 - The South Korean government is attempting to attract military personnel by reducing alternative service and reserve forces, increasing the proportion of female soldiers, and enhancing short-term service incentives [3] - The defense budget for 2025 is projected to exceed 61 trillion won (approximately 315.3 billion RMB), surpassing the estimated total economic output of North Korea [3][4] - The decline in military personnel is attributed to low birth rates and decreased attractiveness of officer positions due to improved soldier treatment [3][4] Group 3 - South Korea has the lowest birth rate globally, with a fertility rate of 0.75 in 2024, and the population is expected to decrease from a peak of 51.8 million in 2020 to 36.2 million by 2072 [4][6] - A significant portion of unmarried individuals in South Korea express reluctance to marry or have children, citing economic burdens and lack of ideal partners as primary reasons [6][7] - The proportion of working wives in childless couples has increased from 53.2% in 2013 to 71% in 2022, indicating challenges in balancing career and family life [7]