South Korea's military has shrunk to about 450,000 people - a decline of 20% over the last six years, according to a defence ministry report released by a ruling party lawmaker on Sunday. Authorities say the main reason behind the decline is the country's dismal birth rate, which at 0.75 babies per woman is the world's lowest.

South Korea's military is 20 percent smaller than it was six years ago as the world's lowest birth rate shrinks the pool of men available for enlistment, according to a new report from the country's defense ministry.

North Korea’s military conducted mortar drills ahead of the South and U.S. kicking off a large joint military exercise.

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — South Korea’s military said Saturday it detected North Korea removing some of its loudspeakers from the inter-Korean border, days after the South dismantled its own front-line speakers used for anti-North Korean propaganda broadcasts, in a bid to ease tensions.

South Korea's military has shrunk to about 450,000 people - a decline of 20% over the last six years, according to a defense ministry report released on Sunday. Authorities say the main reason behind the decline is the country's dismal birth rate, which at 0.75 babies per woman is the world's lowest.

The shortfall, driven by the Asian country’s record-low birthrate of 0.75, left the military 50,000 soldiers under the level deemed necessary for defence readiness in 2025, the defence ministry said in a report on Sunday.

Seoul’s low fertility rate poses a national security threat, as the South Korean armed forces are struggling to meet recruitment targets.

South Korea is grappling with a military personnel shortage as not enough young men are available for recruitment, while Kim Jong-un escalates North Korean military preparations. A recent report suggests that the South's military has shrunk by 20 per cent in the past six years,

South Korea faces a military personnel shortage with not enough young men to recruit in the country as Kim Jong-un ramps up North Korean military preparations. A recent report estimated that the South's military has decreased by 20 per cent in the past six years,