SEOUL, Feb. 26 (Yonhap) -- South Korea has recorded its first increase in the number of babies born since 2015, signaling potential shifts in its previously declining fertility trend. For the year 2024, the country welcomed 238,300 newborns, reflecting a 3.6 percent rise from the previous year’s record low of 230,000 births, according to the latest figures released by Statistics Korea.
Not only did the number of births rise, but the total fertility rate, which measures the average expected number of children born to a woman over her lifetime, also climbed to 0.75—a modest increase from 0.72 noted the previous year. While these figures surpassed government forecasts predicting just 0.74, they remain well below the OECD average and significantly under the replacement rate of 2.1 children per woman, necessary to maintain population stability without relying on immigration.
The encouraging statistics emerge from changing societal norms, particularly concerning marriage and parenthood, which have shifted positively among the younger population. “The rising trend in marriages which started after the COVID-19 pandemic has continued,” remarked Park Hyun-jeong, official at Statistics Korea, during the press briefing on the agency's findings. The number of marriages recorded was the highest since 1996, indicating recovery from the disruptions caused by the pandemic.
Many couples had postponed their nuptials during the early pandemic days, but since the latter half of 2022, there has been notable resurgence—and this increase appears to be helping boost the birth rate alongside it.
Park highlighted changing perceptions of marriage and parenthood captured in biennial social surveys, demonstrating more enthusiasm among young adults about starting families. An increase was also noticed within the key demographic for childbearing—those in their early 30s—who now present birth rates of 70.4 per 1,000, compared to 46 per 1,000 among those in their late 30s and just 20.7 for individuals in their late 20s.
Despite the positive trends, South Korea still faces significant challenges concerning its declining birth rate. Economic burdens continue to postpone marriage and parenthood, prompting the government to implement various support policies, such as financial aids for newlyweds and expanded childcare assistance to encourage families.
Yet concern looms over sustainability; projections indicate the number of women of childbearing age will begin to drop after 2027, potentially hampering any future improvements. Park reminded, “While the number of women of childbearing age is forecast to decrease, factors such as government policies and social values can still shape fertility rates.”
The increase is seen by some as hopeful, yet it does not erase the long-standing challenges South Korea has faced with its birth rates, showcasing the delicate balancing act necessary to encourage sustainable demographic growth.
Overall, the rebound provides both optimism and caution; as marriages rise and attitudes shift, South Korea may have begun to reverse its worrying demographic decline—but only time will tell if this trend continues.