Gender-Neutral Conscription and Defense Reform in South Korea amid Demographic Decline: Lessons from Israel, Sweden, and Norway

South Korea’s conscription system is entering a period of strain as demographic decline reduces the number of draft-age men and raises concerns about the long-term sustainability of a male-only draft. These changes have intensified public debate over fairness and gender equality, prompting renewed interest in whether gender-neutral conscription should be considered as part of future defense reform. This paper examines the feasibility of gender-neutral service in South Korea by comparing three countries that already apply gender-neutral liability: Israel, Norway, and Sweden. Israel represents a long-standing universal model shaped by persistent security demands, while Norway and Sweden operate selective systems that apply gender-neutral eligibility but rely on transparent, merit-based selection. These contrasting approaches provide a useful basis for understanding what elements of gender-neutral service are transferable to the Korean context. The comparison shows that gender-neutral conscription requires more than a formal change in eligibility rules. Effective implementation depends on clear institutional design, gradual reform, and stable public support. Israel highlights both the strengths and limitations of universal obligation, while Norway and Sweden demonstrate how phased, selective reforms can maintain legitimacy and improve gender integration. The paper concludes that any movement toward gender-neutral conscription in South Korea would need to proceed incrementally and align demographic pressures with realistic administrative planning. By drawing on lessons from Israel and the Nordic cases, the study offers a framework for assessing future reform options and for strengthening the fairness and sustainability of Korea’s conscription system.