South Korea is considering expanding mandatory military conscription to include North Korean defectors and orphans, as the country grapples with growing manpower shortages.

In a 2021 policy study report released for the first time earlier this month, the Military Manpower Administration (MMA) indicated that it is exploring the possibility due to the impact of record-low birthrates on the country’s armed forces.

Several experts and defectors welcomed the proposal for DPRK escapees to serve, telling NK News that it could help defectors integrate into South Korean society and better connect with people in their new home.

But others raised concern about