South Korea Sees a Flicker of Hope in Birth Rates Amid Population Concerns

In 2024, South Korea experienced an increase in birth rates for the first time since 2015, attributed to rising marriage rates and favorable societal attitudes toward parenthood. However, experts warn that reversing the country’s overall declining population remains a formidable challenge.

For the first time in almost a decade, South Korea has reported an increase in birth rates, a glimmer of hope amid ongoing concerns over its declining population. Preliminary statistics indicate a 3.6 percent rise in births in 2024, with 238,300 babies born, marking an increase of 8,300 compared to 2023. This rise comes after years of consistently low fertility rates—the lowest in the world—which has prompted the government to implement various initiatives, including enhanced parental leave, in an effort to encourage families to have children.

The increase in births is linked to a surge in marriages, many of which were delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic; in South Korea, couples typically marry before starting families. According to Park Hyun-jung, an official from the national statistics agency, the uptick in birth rates indicates a positive shift in societal values toward marriage and family life.

Demographics expert Seulki Choi from the KDI School of Public Policy and Management expressed cautious optimism about the news, noting that the substantial decrease in birth rates over recent years had been alarming. However, he and other population specialists caution that reversing the overall decline in population remains challenging. Notably, the number of deaths in South Korea rose to 358,400 last year, presenting a stark contrast to the slight increase in births and highlighting the demographic challenges the country faces as its elderly population continues to outnumber the youth.

While the recent birth rate increase is a promising development for South Korea, it remains to be seen whether this will signal the start of a longer-term trend or simply remain a temporary blip amidst the complex realities of demographic changes. As government officials and experts alike watch this space, the journey to build a more robust birthrate will likely include continued policy efforts aimed at supporting families.