South Korea has experienced its first rise in birthrate in nearly a decade, with 242,334 babies born in 2024, a 3.1% increase from the previous year, according to the Ministry of the Interior and Safety. The boost comes after years of record-low fertility rates, including 2023’s global low of 0.72 births per woman, as described by Reuters.
Experts attribute the increase to a 13.5% surge in marriages in 2023, following delays during the COVID-19 pandemic. Marriage remains a key precursor to childbirth in South Korea, where cultural norms still link family planning to wedlock. Reuters noted that public attitudes are gradually shifting, with fewer people opposing births outside marriage compared to a decade ago.
As highlighted by The Korea Herald, government initiatives have also contributed, including a significant expansion of financial incentives for parents. In 2024, the monthly parental leave payment cap rose to 2.5 million won ($1,700), and newlywed couples now qualify for a one-time tax cut of 500,000 won per individual. These policies align with broader efforts to combat South Korea’s “national demographic crisis.”
Despite these improvements, challenges remain. The country recorded 360,757 deaths in 2024, leading to a continued population decline for the fifth consecutive year. Additionally, South Korea is now classified as a “super-aged society,” with 20% of its population aged 65 or older, and the average age rising to 45.3 years.
While the rise in births offers a glimmer of hope, addressing the aging population and reversing decades of low fertility will require sustained effort.
AsAmNews is published by the non-profit, Asian American Media Inc.
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