South Korea Records First Increase in Birth Rate in Nine Years

South Korea has reported a notable rise in its birth rate for the first time in nearly a decade, according to preliminary data released by the nation's statistical agency. In 2024, the country recorded approximately 238,300 births, marking a 3.6% increase from the previous year. Despite this uptick, South Korea still holds the record for the lowest fertility rate in the world, with a figure of just 0.75, indicating the average number of children a woman is expected to have during her lifetime.

The increase in births is largely attributed to a surge in marriages following the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions, which had previously constrained social interactions. Experts view the rise in marriage rates as a crucial indicator of potential shifts in birth rates, especially in a society where having children outside of marriage remains heavily stigmatized.

Since 2018, South Korea has been the only member of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) to see its fertility rate fall below the vital replacement level of 2.1, necessary to maintain a stable population without immigration. The ongoing demographic changes in the country are influenced by a combination of factors, including high living costs, demanding work hours, and a lack of sufficient childcare infrastructure.

In light of these challenges, the former president, Yoon Suk Yeol, had previously declared a 'demographic crisis' and promised to implement various financial incentives and policy measures aimed at boosting the birth rate. However, the effectiveness of these initiatives remains to be seen as South Korea continues to grapple with its demographic issues.