Page 60 - 2020 Defence White Paper

pioneer and push ahead with new projects in line with the technological development
of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, while continuing to build a "digitally strong
military and smart defense" by creating tangible outcomes through civilian–
government–military cooperation.
An appropriate level of defense resources has been secured to ensure steady
implementation of Defense Reform 2.0. For the 2020 defense budget, a budget of
more than KRW 50 trillion has been secured–an increase of 7.4% from 2019 in terms
of the main budget. The total amount of f nancial resources in the 2021~2025 defense
mid-term plan is planned to be approximately KRW 300.7 trillion. Moreover,
around KRW 16.7 trillion was allocated for force enhancement in carrying out the
tasks under Defense Reform 2.0, such as military structure reorganization based
on advanced science and technology (8.5% increase from 2019). Efforts are being
made to further expand nuclear and WMD response forces and–essential forces
against transnational and nonmilitary threats–through continuous acquisition of the
required budget. The budget for force management cost reached KRW 33.4 trillion
(6.9% increase), which was used for defense management and barracks culture
reforms, including the increase in civilian workforce for the redesign of defense
manpower. Furthermore, in order to lay the legal foundation for Defense Reform 2.0,

70 cases of enactment and revision requirements were identif ed in a total of 56 laws
and ordinances, including the National Defense Reform Act, while 37 cases of them
related to 32 laws including the Military Service Act have already been successfully
enacted and revised. Especially in 2019, the MND provided systematic support to the
defense reform by passing legislations related to the introduction of "an alternative
service program for military service objectors based on religious beliefs, etc" and "a
military education system", both of which have received a nationwide interest.

2020 Defense White Paper