South Korea: New Party Urges Mandatory Military Services For Women

South Korea's political landscape has been stirred by the emergence of a new conservative party ahead of the upcoming general election in April. This party, named the New Choice Party, has sparked intense debates surrounding the future of the nation's military, particularly with its call for compulsory military service for women aspiring to join the police, fire brigade, or corrections service.

The leaders of the New Choice Party argue that the current policy, where only able-bodied Korean men are mandated to serve at least 18 months in the armed forces, is no longer sustainable for national defence. As the nation grapples with a declining birthrate, they propose extending mandatory service to women to address future challenges.

Gender Conflicts and National Security

According to joint founders Keum Tae-sup and Ryu Ho-jeong, requiring women to complete compulsory military service would not only contribute to bolstering the armed forces but also address gender conflicts in Korean society. The party's platform, unveiled in late January, aims to provoke a reevaluation of societal norms and gender roles.

The current scenario sees approximately 360,000 men and women serving in the South Korean ground forces, facing the formidable 1.1-million-strong North Korean army. However, as the South's birthrate continues to decline, projections indicate a significant reduction in available service personnel, posing a potential threat to national security.

The Intersection of Gender and Politics

Kim Seong-kyung, a professor at the University of North Korean Studies, notes the timely nature of the gender discourse in South Korea, especially as elections draw near. The emergence of the New Choice Party reflects a divisive sentiment among dissatisfied young men, adding complexity to the political landscape.

The New Choice Party strategically targets dissatisfied 20- and 30-year-old males by addressing grievances related to mandatory military service and proposing the elimination of pensioners' free travel on Seoul's subway system. This approach resonates with a specific demographic discontent with perceived societal inequalities.

Varied Opinions: Voices Against Mandatory Service for Women

Not everyone supports the New Choice Party's proposals. Han Ye-jung, a lawyer in Seoul, strongly opposes the idea, emphasizing that military service should remain optional for women. She argues against linking mandatory service to future job opportunities, asserting the importance of addressing gender privilege in the broader societal context.

While the New Choice Party highlights the urgency of addressing the shrinking population and national security concerns, alternative solutions have been proposed, including longer conscription periods and increased technological integration in the armed forces. However, each approach comes with its own set of challenges and considerations.

Despite raising critical issues regarding the armed forces, the New Choice Party is considered a fringe political group with limited support for its policies, particularly among female voters. The two main political parties, the ruling People Power Party and the main opposition Democratic Party have not committed to female conscription.

The Future Discourse: Navigating Changing Mindsets

As tensions with North Korea heighten and societal mindsets evolve, the debate on whether women should serve in the military is expected to intensify in the coming years. The Defense Ministry has not outlined plans for female conscription, but the issues raised by the New Choice Party underscore the pressing need for a national discussion on this matter.