Last week, an incident involving arrows flying in a downtown square raised concerns about citizen safety. On January 12, Chief Secretary Kang Hoon-sik emphasized at a senior staff meeting that the situation could have led to casualties and was extremely dangerous. Citizens were present at the scene, and the Peace Girl Statue was nearby, but fortunately, there were no injuries or property damage. Kang stressed the need for heightened awareness of risks that threaten daily life.
Kang pointed out that while firearms, swords, and crossbows are strictly regulated, bows and arrows are classified as sports equipment and can be purchased and possessed without registration. He instructed the Ministry of Justice and the National Police Agency to comprehensively review weapon management systems and report necessary improvements. Kang also highlighted the need to improve treatment for soldiers who have dedicated their youth to national security, mentioning efforts such as increased sergeant salaries, future savings support, and modernization of living facilities. This year, reserve training compensation will be raised by about 15% to a maximum of 95,000 KRW, but it still falls short of minimum wage.
Kang addressed field criticisms regarding the environment and compensation for reserve training, noting that facilities and equipment remain inadequate. With the number of active-duty soldiers steadily decreasing, he questioned whether the reserve force size is appropriate and called for more efficient training methods, including reviewing the annual maximum of 32 training hours. He directed the Ministry of National Defense to establish an effective reserve training system and consider raising compensation above the minimum wage.
As of November last year, the number of foreign residents in Korea reached 2.73 million, accounting for 5.3% of the total population, and is expected to surpass 3 million this year. With rapid declines in birth rates and aging, Kang stressed the need for strategic and comprehensive immigration policy review. He noted that, amid fierce global competition for talent in advanced industries like AI and semiconductors, Korea must shift from focusing solely on labor for 3D jobs to actively attracting high-skilled foreign talent. Relevant ministries were instructed to examine comprehensive foreigner policies to address structural crises such as population decline and regional extinction.
This meeting highlights the government’s proactive approach to two major national challenges: public safety and demographic shifts. The issue of bows and arrows as unregulated sports equipment underscores the need for legal and institutional reforms to protect urban environments. Improving reserve soldier compensation and training efficiency is vital for motivating youth participation in national defense. Furthermore, the shift in foreigner policy toward attracting high-skilled talent reflects Korea’s strategic response to low birth rates, aging, and the need for competitiveness in advanced industries.