South Korea’s birthrate is set to rise in 2024 for the first time in nearly a decade, driven by a rebound in marriages that had been delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The development offers a glimmer of hope for a country grappling with the world’s lowest fertility rates, amidst mounting concerns over its demographic future.
According to data released by the government on Wednesday, the number of newborns in South Korea between January and November 2024 increased by 3% compared to the same period the previous year, reaching 220,094. This marks a significant turnaround from 2023, when the number of newborns fell by 7.7%, extending an eight-year decline and contributing to an annual fertility rate of just 0.72 – the lowest globally.
The rise in births coincides with a notable increase in marriages throughout 2023, signaling a recovery from the disruptions caused by the pandemic. The number of marriages from January to November 2023 surged by 13.5% to 199,903, potentially marking the largest annual increase since 1980, depending on the final December figures.
The link between marriage and childbirth remains strong in South Korea, where societal norms often dictate that children are born within wedlock. A government survey conducted last year revealed that 62.8% of South Koreans opposed births outside of marriage, though this figure has decreased from 77.5% a decade ago.
South Korea’s rebound in births is mirrored by trends in neighboring China, where the number of births rose by 5.8% in 2024, totaling 9.54 million. Similar to South Korea, this increase has been attributed to the resumption of marriages that were postponed due to pandemic-related restrictions.
The uptick in South Korea’s birthrate follows the implementation of various government measures aimed at encouraging marriage and childbearing. In response to the nation’s demographic challenges, the government, under the now-impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol, declared a “national demographic crisis” and announced plans for a new ministry dedicated to addressing the issue.
Key initiatives included financial incentives such as a one-time tax cut of 500,000 won (US$349.35) for couples married between 2024 and 2026. Additionally, there have been efforts to offer broader support, including housing subsidies, expanded parental leave, and increased childcare benefits, though the effectiveness of these measures remains to be seen.
Despite the positive trend, South Korea’s fertility rate remains critically low, and experts caution that a sustained increase in births will require more comprehensive solutions. The financial pressures of raising children, long working hours, and a culture that places heavy expectations on mothers have contributed to a reluctance among young people to start families.
Demographers highlight the importance of addressing underlying issues such as gender inequality, workplace flexibility, and affordable housing to create a more family-friendly environment. Without these changes, temporary incentives may not be enough to reverse the long-term trend of declining births.
The slight rise in South Korea’s birthrate offers a rare moment of optimism in the country’s ongoing demographic challenge. However, sustaining and building on this progress will require continued efforts to address the social, economic, and cultural barriers that discourage family formation.
As South Korea navigates these challenges, the government’s approach in the coming years will be crucial in shaping the country’s demographic future. With a dedicated ministry on the horizon and a renewed focus on family policy, the nation has a pivotal opportunity to create lasting change and ensure a stable, prosperous future for the next generation.