SEOUL: South Korea has experienced a notable rise in the number of newborns for two consecutive months, a rare occurrence that brings a sense of hope to a nation grappling with a longstanding demographic crisis. The country, known for its persistently low birth rate amid a rapidly aging population, recorded 20,098 births in August, representing a 5.9 percent increase from the same period last year, according to data from Statistics Korea.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the recent figures reflect the highest growth for August in 12 years and follow a similar trend in July, when 20,601 newborns were registered, marking a 7.9 percent increase year-on-year. This upward trend is partly attributed to a rise in marriages from late 2022 into early 2023, as couples postponed weddings during the COVID-19 pandemic. Statistics Korea reported a 20 percent year-on-year increase in marriages in August, the highest growth since the country began compiling such data monthly in 1981.
Experts suggest that if this monthly in
crease in births continues, South Korea could see a positive annual birth rate for the first time in a decade. Despite the promising signs, the total fertility rate remains a concern; it reached a record low of 0.71 in the second quarter of 2024, far below the 2.1 births per woman needed to maintain the population without immigration.
The period from January to August saw 158,000 births, a slight 0.4 percent decrease from the previous year. This modest decline suggests the birth rate may be stabilizing, offering a glimmer of hope for future increases. However, sustaining this growth is crucial, and experts stress the importance of government policies that support families and encourage child-rearing. This includes promoting work-life balance for dual-income couples, addressing high education costs, and fostering a family-friendly work environment.
The Presidential Committee on Aging Society and Population Policy noted a positive shift in attitudes towards marriage among young people. In a recent survey of u
nmarried individuals aged 25-49, 65 percent expressed plans or desires to marry, indicating a potential shift in demographic trends.
To capitalize on the recent increase in births, the government is urged to enhance support programs and incentives to maintain this momentum and address the broader challenges of the country’s demographic crisis.