Biggest birthrate jump in 14 years fuels hope of fertility turnaround (JoongAng/26 Dec 2024)

JoongAng Daily reports that October saw the largest birthrate increase in 14 years, driven by post-pandemic marriages and a rise in second children, marking the fourth consecutive monthly growth. Marriages also surged by 22%, while divorces fell. Despite these gains, deaths continue to outnumber births, resulting in a population decline. Officials express cautious optimism for a potential rebound in the fertility rate, as government incentives aim to combat the persistent trend of delayed or avoided parenthood.