Parental Leave Declines For First Time In South Korea (TheCommune/18 Dec 24)

The Commune reports that parental leave in South Korea declined for the first time in 2023, down 3% from the previous year. This reflects broader declines in marriages and childbirths amid the country’s ultra-low birth rate. Women accounted for 75% of parental leave takers, with both maternity and paternity leave showing declines. The trend highlights delayed marriage and childbirth, with most parental leave takers being older parents employed by large companies or public sectors.