How does the worlds lowest fertility rate endanger Seoul's defence readiness? | DW News

The United States and South Korea have started large-scale joint military exercises. However, behind this show of strength lies a growing concern. South Korea’s military is shrinking. A new report warns that the country is short tens of thousands of troops, not due to strategy or spending, but due to something far more fundamental: a declining birthrate.

Chapters:
0:00 US and South Korea begin joint military drills
1:37 Jenny Town, Director of Stimson Center's Korea Program

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Post from DW News on August 18, 2025

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