On November 18, 2025, the Grand Ballroom of Yeouido’s FKI Tower in Seoul was abuzz with anticipation. Industry leaders, academics, government officials, and international guests gathered for the '2025 Korean Future Forum – New Technology and Transition,' a pivotal event jointly hosted by the Korea Future Change Research Institute, the 2050 Future Convergence Strategy Research Institute, and the National Assembly Future Strategy Research Group. This forum, attended by approximately 230 participants, was more than just a meeting of minds—it was a rallying call for South Korea to confront the intertwined challenges of demographic shifts, climate change, and industrial transformation.
At the heart of the discussions was Korea’s ambitious net zero carbon reduction goal, a vision that has become central to the country’s policy and economic strategy. According to the forum’s organizers, including Kim Woo-jin from the Korea Future Change Research Institute and Park Jong-min, the event aimed to chart a course for technological innovation and early adaptation as the nation seeks to transition its industrial structure in response to global climate imperatives.
"The recent Korean economic growth rate was 0.75%, with an employment growth of 0.8%," forum speakers noted, highlighting both progress and the urgent need for new approaches. The country, they explained, boasts the highest employment rate among OECD countries, yet faces mounting challenges from social polarization and the pressures of rapid industrial change. The forum’s sessions delved into how AI-driven new industries could create jobs quickly, but also underscored the risks of social conflict and the necessity for robust government policy support.
Just days later, on November 24, 2025, the conversation is set to continue at the National Assembly, where the '2025 Korean Future Forum' will open its doors once again. This time, the Korea Future Change Research Institute and the 2050 Future Convergence Strategy Research Institute will co-host an even larger event, featuring 14 thematic seminars and drawing domestic and international experts to discuss national policy strategies for achieving 'net zero.' The scale of this upcoming forum, described as the largest of its kind, reflects the gravity of the moment and the urgency with which Korea is approaching its future.
But the challenges facing Korea are not limited to technology and industry. On the same day as the November 18 forum, another critical gathering took place: the '2025 Korea Population Forum – New Opportunities and Challenges,' held at the same Yeouido FKI Tower. Hosted by CBS and the Ministry of Health and Welfare, this event brought together policymakers, business leaders, academics, and international guests to confront what many now call Korea’s demographic crisis.
In her opening remarks, CBS President Nai-Young captured the mood: "Last year, Korea’s total fertility rate was 0.75. This is not just a matter of birth rates, but a signal questioning the sustainability of the nation and the existence of the community." The forum, now in its fourth year, has become a crucial platform for exploring how to build a sustainable society in the face of rapid population aging and declining birthrates. "Korea’s population structure is changing at the fastest rate in the world," Nai-Young pointed out, adding, "Although there was a rebound after nine years, the rate remains the lowest among OECD countries."
Deputy Minister Isran of the Ministry of Health and Welfare echoed these concerns in her address. She outlined the government’s response: "The government is formulating the 5th Basic Plan for Low Birthrate and Aging Society, integrating tasks such as housing, jobs, and work-life balance culture." She also emphasized plans to strengthen the control tower function of the Low Birthrate and Aging Society Committee, which oversees population policy.
There was, however, a glimmer of hope. Vice Chairman Joo Hyung-hwan of the Low Birthrate and Aging Society Committee noted, "Last year, the total fertility rate rebounded for the first time in nine years, and this year the number of births is expected to increase by more than 6% (over 250,000), with the total fertility rate approaching 0.8." He highlighted the role of AI in transforming the work environment: "AI-driven changes are enabling both shorter working hours and increased productivity, laying the groundwork for greater gender equality in the workplace and customized family care."
The forum’s international dimension was underscored by the participation of Carl-Ulf Andersson, Swedish Ambassador to Korea, and Osa Hansson, Chair of Sweden’s National Fertility Investigation Committee. Andersson explained, "Sweden’s total fertility rate fell to a record low of 1.32 last year, the lowest since the country began recording such data in the 18th century." He described Sweden’s launch of the 'Future with Children' committee as part of efforts to create a more family-friendly society. Hansson’s keynote speech, "The Warning of a 1.43 Fertility Rate: What Is the Next Challenge for the Welfare State?" struck a chord: "Even Sweden, with one of the world’s best welfare systems, is seeing its fertility rate plummet. It has declined steadily for 50 years, and now it’s serious." She urged both countries to learn from each other, stating, "It’s essential to create an environment where young people feel they can have children. Structural reform across society is needed."
Corporate responsibility was a major theme, with Krafton’s Choi Jae-geun describing the company’s policy of providing up to 100 million won in support for childbirth. "Krafton began designing its childbirth and childcare support system by asking, 'How can a company respond to a social crisis?' We see this not just as welfare, but as a corporate responsibility and a catalyst for social change." Seoul National University’s Cho Young-tae added, "The era of declining population is no longer just a national issue; it’s a matter of corporate survival. Companies must now see 'population' as a core management variable." Kyung Hee University’s Kim Sang-kyun agreed, emphasizing, "The key is not to have more people, but to have better-connected people."
The forum also explored the anxieties and opportunities arising from demographic upheaval. Ko Woo-rim of Seoul National University observed, "The dramatic changes in population structure create anxiety for young people, but also offer a chance to design a new order. Today’s youth are both the first protagonists of a shrinking society and the architects of new systems for future generations." Do Hyun-myung of Impact Square, which has supported some 800 impact startups, argued, "One key to overcoming the population crisis is restoring a system in which young people’s capabilities circulate socially."
The final sessions turned to the role of society in supporting young children. Professor Lee Hyun-joo of Hanyang University emphasized, "In an era where anxiety is the norm, we must redesign our approach to life and caregiving, ensuring an environment where infants and toddlers can grow up healthy." Professor Yoo Jae-un of Gachon University called for a family-friendly 'K-culture' of shared responsibility and care, warning against the rise of 'helicopter parenting.'
As Korea faces the dual challenges of climate change and demographic transformation, these forums reveal a nation searching for answers—and determined to find them. The conversations may be difficult, but they are happening at every level, from government to business to civil society, with a sense of urgency and hope that is unmistakable.
