President Lee Jae Myung on Aug. 13 announces his plan for a selective enlistment system to transform the country's military at a meeting with senior presidential secretaries at Cheong Wa Dae. (Cheong Wa Dae) 

By Yoon Sojung

President Lee Jae Myung has proposed a selective enlistment system for quick and thorough reform to transform the country's military into a smart, elite and powerful force based on cutting-edge equipment and technology.

In a meeting on Aug. 13 with senior presidential secretaries at Cheong Wa Dae, he said, "Due to the persistent low birth rate, maintaining the inefficient military structure heavily dependent on personnel and infantry is neither feasible nor desirable."

"What is important is to redesign the system so that youth -- the backbone of national defense -- can devise a better life in the future," he added. He also urged officials to "meticulously devise policies so that military service is the foundation for good jobs, quality education and accumulation of stable wealth."

Presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung told a news briefing that after this meeting, a wide-ranging and deep discussion took place behind closed doors on a "selective conscription system to expand military service options."

"Life is an investment," President Lee was quoted as saying. He also ordered officials to come up with diverse and creative ideas that reflect the values and realities of young people instead of being limited by conventional perspectives.

"The Ministry of National Defense within the year is likely to announce a specific plan to implement the selective conscription system," a Cheong Wa Dae source added. "We understand that the system, which is slated for launch next year, will undergo revision and improvement based on its initial operational results."

"The ministry will soon release details of the plan."