A recent surge in births in South Korea has caught the attention of experts and policymakers. In July 2024, the country experienced its largest increase in births in over a decade. This marked a notable turnaround from the record-low birth rates seen in the previous year.
Several factors contributed to this rise. One key reason was a surge in marriages following the easing of COVID-19 restrictions. Many couples who had postponed their weddings during the pandemic were now tying the knot, potentially leading to an increase in births in the near future.
Despite the positive news, South Korea’s overall population trend remains concerning. The number of deaths still outpaced births, resulting in a natural population decline. This ongoing trend has raised concerns about the country’s long-term demographic outlook.
While the increase in marriages is a promising sign, experts caution that sustained efforts are needed to address the underlying factors contributing to low birth rates. These include high living costs, societal pressures, and limited childcare options.
