Despite this increase, the nation continues to grapple with the world's lowest fertility rate and a burgeoning elderly population.
South Korea Sees Small Increase in Births Amid Ongoing Population Crisis
South Korea Sees Small Increase in Births Amid Ongoing Population Crisis
For the first time in nearly a decade, South Korea reports a slight rise in births, following efforts to combat its declining fertility rate.
Last year marked a notable shift in South Korea's demographic narrative as the country experienced a rare uptick in birth rates, reporting 8,300 more births than the previous year. This 3.6 percent rise is the first reported increase since 2015, signaling hope for government officials who have implemented various incentives to encourage families to have more children, including enhanced parental leave and support.
The surge in births follows a rise in marriages, many of which were delayed during the pandemic. In South Korea, marriage is almost a prerequisite for childbearing, and the growing willingness to marry is seen as a positive sign. “This indicates a change in social values towards marriage and parenthood,” noted Park Hyun-jung, an official from the government’s statistics agency.
According to preliminary statistics, approximately 238,300 babies were born in 2024, but experts remain cautious about whether this increase is a sustainable trend. Seulki Choi, a demographic expert, emphasized the importance of this news but cautioned that reversing the country’s overall declining population would require more substantial changes.
The population challenges are underscored by the continuing reality that the number of deaths, which stood at 358,400 last year, continues to outnumber births. South Korea faces a demographic imbalance, with an aging population that increasingly surpasses the youth, further complicating efforts to maintain population levels.
The surge in births follows a rise in marriages, many of which were delayed during the pandemic. In South Korea, marriage is almost a prerequisite for childbearing, and the growing willingness to marry is seen as a positive sign. “This indicates a change in social values towards marriage and parenthood,” noted Park Hyun-jung, an official from the government’s statistics agency.
According to preliminary statistics, approximately 238,300 babies were born in 2024, but experts remain cautious about whether this increase is a sustainable trend. Seulki Choi, a demographic expert, emphasized the importance of this news but cautioned that reversing the country’s overall declining population would require more substantial changes.
The population challenges are underscored by the continuing reality that the number of deaths, which stood at 358,400 last year, continues to outnumber births. South Korea faces a demographic imbalance, with an aging population that increasingly surpasses the youth, further complicating efforts to maintain population levels.
