South Korea Birth Rate

The Dispatch article explores the ongoing debate around declining birth rates, focusing on South Korea's record-low fertility and the potential policy responses. The author argues that it’s possible to care about both pro-natalist and pro-woman perspectives, acknowledging women’s autonomy while addressing the economic and social challenges of an aging population. Policies such as child tax credits and parental leave could support families without coercion, and emphasizes that societal well-being and more family-friendly environments might naturally lead to higher birth rates.

The Chosun Daily interviews a demography expert who highlights gender inequality and high education costs as major contributors to South Korea's low birth rate. They argue that government efforts to boost birth rates may backfire without addressing cultural issues, such as the unequal division of household labor. The interview emphasizes that focusing on overall well-being, rather than numbers, is key to addressing the crisis, suggesting that improving quality of life could naturally lead to higher fertility rates.

BNN Bloomberg article highlights how South Korea's low birth rate and aging population are driving demand for luxury retirement homes. Companies like Lotte and Hyundai are investing heavily in high-end senior residences. However, with the declining birth rate, there are concerns about future labor shortages and whether the wealth of retirees can sustain this trend, as rising costs and potential economic downturns pose risks to the sustainability of these developments.

9NEWS   article discusses South Korea's severe demographic crisis due to its record-low birth rate, described as a "national emergency." It claims women are on a "birth strike," citing long work hours, sexism, and unaffordable housing as reasons for delaying or avoiding having children. Despite government efforts, including financial incentives and improved infrastructure, the population is projected to shrink significantly, raising concerns about economic stability and social cohesion.

The Chosun Daily article highlights South Korea's demographic crisis, where a declining birth rate and aging population will significantly burden the working-age population. By 2058, one working adult will need to support one dependent. This demographic shift will lead to increased social costs and a shrinking population, putting immense pressure on the country's economic stability and social systems.

Hankyoreh editorial explores how South Korea’s low birth rate reflects young people’s despair and desire to escape what they perceive as an oppressive society. Despite policies aimed at boosting birth rates, many youths still view Korea as a place of unfair competition and limited opportunities, leading some to leave the country in search of better work-life balance and respect for different ways of living. It argues that without addressing these underlying issues, efforts to increase the birth rate will remain ineffective.

Hankyoreh promotes it's upcoming Asia Future Forum that will address the challenges of low fertility and shrinking populations in South Korea, where the birth rate is the lowest globally. The forum will feature international experts discussing structural issues such as gender inequality and economic pressures that contribute to the crisis. Sessions will explore innovative approaches, including transitioning to a care economy and examining labor market changes, to create a sustainable community in response to demographic shifts.

LA Times article discusses South Korea's efforts to address its low birth rate by promoting work-life balance. With an average of 1,872 work hours per year, proposals include a four-day work week to improve fertility rates and employee well-being. Support for reduced working hours is high, especially among younger workers, but challenges remain for small and medium-sized enterprises struggling with labor shortages and low productivity.

The Asia Society Policy Institute roundtable discussed East Asia’s demographic crisis, emphasizing South Korea's declining birth rate due to economic pressures and cultural norms. Experts highlighted challenges like low marriage rates, inadequate gender policies, and youth unemployment. The discussion called for innovative policy solutions, including better family support, workplace reforms, and improved integration of foreign workers to address these demographic challenges.

Kazinform reports that despite a rise in July births, South Korea's overall birth rate remains at a record low, with the total fertility rate at 0.71 in the second quarter of 2024. The increase is attributed to couples marrying post-COVID, but the long-term demographic crisis persists as many young people delay or avoid having children due to economic pressures and shifting social norms.

The Korea Times reports that South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol announced new incentives for companies promoting work-life balance to combat South Korea’s low birth rate. He emphasized that a supportive work environment is essential for encouraging young people to have children, as the country grapples with a demographic crisis and record-low fertility rates.

BNN Bloomberg reports that South Korea’s national pension fund is projected to be depleted by 2056 unless urgent reforms are implemented, such as increasing contributions from 9% to 13% of income. The government’s proposal comes amid a rapidly aging population and the world’s lowest birthrate, highlighting the need for swift action to ensure financial stability for future retirees.

Georgetown University's Walsh School of Foreign Service (SFS) ( via Georgetown Journal of International Affairs) opinion piece argues  that addressing South Korea’s fertility crisis requires a radically new approach, advocating for comprehensive family support and recognizing parenting as a public service. Current policies have failed to reverse the declining birth rate, and the government must take bold steps to support families and address cultural and economic barriers that are deterring people from having children. 

BBC article highlights South Korea's reliance on ethnic Koreans from Central Asia to counter labor shortages caused by its declining birth rate. While "Koryoins" help fill workforce gaps, they face challenges in integration due to language barriers and societal resistance. This underscores the need for better immigration policies to address the population crisis.

Yonhap reports that South Korea’s population is projected to shrink by over 30% to 36 million by 2072, dropping its global ranking from 29th to 59th. This decline is driven by an ultra-low birth rate and rapid aging, with the fertility rate far below the replacement level. By 2072, nearly half of the population will be aged 65 or older, placing immense pressure on the working-age population and increasing the dependency ratio. This demographic shift highlights the significant challenges South Korea faces in maintaining economic stability and societal balance.

The Korea Times reports that by 2072, nearly half of South Korea's population will be elderly, with young people making up just 6.6%. This demographic shift, driven by a persistently low birth rate and declining working-age population, will place significant pressure on the economically active to support the aging population. Despite efforts to raise the birth rate, the population decline is expected to continue, underscoring a deepening demographic crisis.

The  Korea Herald reports that by 2052, one in five South Korean households will have a breadwinner over 80 due to the country's rapid aging and low birth rate. This shift, compounded by declining young breadwinners and high elderly poverty rates, underscores the urgent need for policies supporting the aging population, such as targeted pensions for those left out of the economic growth.

DW highlights  South Korea's record-low birth rate alongside a rise in out-of-wedlock births. Despite societal stigma, more single mothers are raising children as young people move away from traditional family norms. Economic pressures and evolving attitudes have led to this shift, prompting the government to introduce welfare policies supporting single parents, a departure from the focus on conventional families.

Newsweek   compares North and South Korea’s approaches to declining birth rates, with South Korea having a birth rate less than half that of North Korea. While North Korea encourages women to have more children and cracks down on birth control, South Korea has invested billions in policies like matchmaking and work-life balance improvements. However, cultural and financial challenges, particularly in cities, continue to hinder progress.

Hankyoreh explores Ulsan's surprising rise as a multicultural city, offering insights into South Korea’s future amid its declining birth rate. As the country faces labor shortages due to its low fertility, Ulsan has reversed population decline by welcoming foreign workers, particularly in the shipbuilding industry. The article highlights how this shift is critical for sustaining industries and suggests that South Korea must prepare both socially and institutionally for an increasingly multicultural society to address its demographic challenges.

The News opinion piece  highlights  the paradox facing South Korea and other advanced economies: that economic success is making it harder to sustain the replacement birth rate, leading to depopulation. This decline poses economic challenges, such as increased social security costs and a shrinking labor force. Compared to Western countries however, cultural factors in South Korea limit the use of immigration to mitigate these trends, complicating efforts to address the demographic crisis.

NDTV reports that in South Korea, pet strollers now outsell baby strollers, with 57% of strollers sold this year designed for pets. This shift reflects the country’s record-low fertility rate of 0.72 in 2023, highlighting broader socio-economic issues like the high cost of living and housing. As more households raise pets, the rising popularity of dog strollers symbolizes South Korea's struggle with declining birth rates and changing societal values.

The Diplomat interviews a population studies expert who warns that South Korea faces an existential crisis due to its record-low birth rate. He blames high housing costs, job instability, and shifting values among the younger generation. Lee argues that current policies focusing on financial support for married couples are insufficient and that deeper structural issues, such as job market reform and housing, must be addressed to reverse the trend.

Reuters (via The Star ) reports that despite South Korea’s low birth rate, many young people prioritize personal spending over starting families. A government plan to create a new ministry addressing demographic issues follows years of failed baby-boosting policies. Financial hardship, job uncertainty, and high education costs are major barriers, while many in their 20s and 30s focus on immediate pleasures, reflecting a YOLO mindset.

The Korea Herald reports that while South Korea's birth rate continues to decline, the number of men taking parental leave has increased fivefold since 2015, now accounting for 28% of parental leave takers. However, marriages have dropped by 37% since 2015, with fewer young people marrying, contributing to the nation's demographic crisis.

Council on Foreign Relations (through Think Global Health )  explores how South Korea's government is tackling its record-low birth rate by enhancing parental leave, flexible work schedules, and gender equality. However, high living costs, long work hours, and gender disparities deter many from having children. Experts suggest that long-term changes in gender equality, childcare, and work-life balance are needed for sustainable impact.

UCA News reports South Korean churches are being urged to support families amid the country's declining birth rate. Lee Young-hoon, head of Yoido Full Gospel Church, emphasized the role of churches in offering financial and spiritual help to families, highlighting the importance of Christian family values. Lee's church has provided over $4 million in childbirth subsidies to congregants since 2012 to encourage child-rearing.

VOA reports that egg-freezing is growing in popularity in South Korea as a response to the country's declining birth rate, supported by government subsidies. While it offers women more reproductive options, experts warn it doesn't address underlying societal issues like economic inequality and lack of child care, which are key factors in the low birth rate. Despite these concerns, many women view egg-freezing as a way to delay childbearing without closing off future possibilities.

The Chosun Daily reports that despite South Korea's record-low birth rate, the baby food market is thriving, with projections to reach $247.8 million by 2025. While the baby formula market has declined by 24%, ready-to-eat baby food is growing due to changing parenting attitudes that favor convenience and quality time over homemade food preparation. Commercial baby food is also viewed as more economical and nutritionally balanced, boosting its popularity.

The Chosun Daily reports  on a survey revealing less than 40% of young South Koreans are willing to have children, highlighting the nation’s deepening birthrate crisis. Economic instability, gender inequality, and financial concerns are key reasons for this reluctance, especially among women. Although some respondents might reconsider if government and corporate support improved, a significant portion remains unconvinced.