Tiny country facing 'national emergency' as fewer people having babies than anywhere else (Express/28 Dec 2024)

Express reports that South Korea faces a "national emergency" with the world's lowest birth rate, now at an all time low. Experts warn the population could halve by 2100, threatening the economy and social systems. Despite government spending on subsidies and childcare, young people cite relentless work culture, high living costs, and societal pressures as barriers to having children. Cultural stigmas against nonmarital births and limited paternal involvement exacerbate the challenges, leaving many unwilling to risk their careers or face societal judgment for starting families.