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The northern enemy and the closely monitored de-militarized zone, quite logically stand as the country’s strategic priority. This environment led it to develop of a massive military in order to deter or repel any invasion scheme. Overall, ROK defense policy is still determined by its longstanding alliance with the United States. However, this protection comes at the cost of a high dependence on US technology, thus stalling the development of its flourishing defense industry. Furthermore, ROK’s compulsory military conscription is the subject of much criticism as its hard conditions conflict with the aspirations of the youth. Although military reforms have been planned for years, the looming DPRK threat makes it hardly conceivable for the country to take its attention away and to embrace a defense policy more consistent with South Korean economy and society.

This content is available in French: Corée du Sud, la septième armée du monde ?