South Korea experiences record birth rate surge Jan‑May
South Korea Sees Decade‑Long Birth Rate Upswing
South Korea, renowned for a record lifespan and a low fertility profile, has witnessed its first birth‑rate growth in over ten years. The rise, driven by a surge in marriages, represents both a demographic milestone and a looming challenge for the nation’s future.
Key Statistics for 2024
- Births (Jan–May) – 106,048, an 8,300 increase or 3.6 % over 2023.
- April alone – 20,717 births, an 8.7 % rise from last year.
- Fertility rate (May) – 0.75 children per woman.
- Population goal – 2.1 children per woman to sustain 51 million residents.
Projected Demographic Decline
According to the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, the current fertility rate will halve the population to about 26.8 million by 2100, a stark drop from today’s 51 million.
Marriage‑Birth Correlation
Statistics Korea’s Kang Hyun‑young highlighted that the verb‑chain between marriage and childbirth is strong in South Korea. The country recorded a 14.8 % year‑on‑year increase in marriages, with more than 220,000 couples tying the knot in 2024.
Government Support Initiatives
- Cash subsidies for child‑rearing.
- Public babysitting services.
- Financial aid for infertility treatment.
Root Causes of the Low Birth Rate
- High childcare and housing costs.
- Competitive society and difficulty securing well‑paid jobs.
- Dual burden on working women: household chores, childcare, and career maintenance.
Regional Comparison
Japan, the world’s second‑oldest population after Monaco, faces a similar demographic dilemma. Strict immigration policies exacerbate labor shortages, mirroring the challenges seen in South Korea.
