Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

South Korea declares 'national emergency' as it posts world's lowest birth rate

Since 2006, the government has allocated over 360 trillion won (£ 78.9068) for initiatives aimed at boosting childbirth rates.

South Korea declares 'national emergency' as it posts world's lowest birth rate

South Korea is grappling with the world's lowest birth rate, a crisis that shows no signs of abating as new data reveals a further 8 per cent decline in 2023 to an alarming 0.72, well below the 2.1 needed for population stability.

This relentless decline, now spanning over a decade, has prompted the government to declare it a "national emergency," with financial incentives and policies amounting to $270 billion (£ 78.9068) since 2006 failing to reverse the trend.


The repercussions are dire, with projections estimating a halving of the population by 2100, a significant reduction in the workforce, and a shrinking pool for mandatory military service. Policymakers are increasingly acknowledging the severity of the situation, but the root causes of this crisis are multifaceted, deeply entrenched, and extend beyond financial incentives.

One striking factor is the evolving role of women in South Korean society. The surge in female education and workforce participation, coupled with a slower evolution of traditional gender roles, has led many women to prioritize their careers over starting families.

Since 2018, South Korea has been the only member of the Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD) to have a rate below 1. In addition, South Korean women give birth for the first time at an average age of 33.6 – the highest among OECD members.

"It's hard to find a dateable man in Korea - one who will share the chores and the childcare equally, and women who have babies alone are not judged kindly," says Yejin, a 30-year-old South Korean woman.

busy-south-korean-woman Many South Korean women prioritize their careers over starting families. (Representative image: iStock)

The demanding work culture in South Korea, with long hours and overtime, adds another layer to the challenge. The fear of potential career setbacks and societal pressure further dissuades women from taking maternity leave, with only 7 per cent of new fathers utilizing their leave compared to 70 per cent of new mothers.

Educationally empowered Korean women face a trade-off between career and family, as reflected in the country's high gender pay gap and a disproportionate number of women out of work compared to men. The cost of private education, a unique burden in South Korea, further compounds the issue.

Parents face societal expectations to enrol children in expensive extracurricular classes from the age of four, making it the most expensive country in the world to raise a child. This financial strain, coupled with the perception that opting out leads to failure, contributes significantly to the declining birth rate.

Since 2006, the government has allocated over 360 trillion won (£ 78.9068) for initiatives aimed at boosting childbirth rates. These programs encompass cash subsidies, babysitting services, and assistance for infertility treatment to encourage couples to have more children.

Cultural factors also play a crucial role, with the difficulty of juggling work and household responsibilities falling disproportionately on women. The prevailing expectation that mothers take two to three years off work when having a child adds another layer of pressure, contributing to the perception that South Korea is not a conducive environment for raising happy children.

However, not all women are choosing childlessness willingly.

As South Korea faces a looming demographic crisis, President Yoon Suk Yeol has acknowledged that past attempts to spend their way out of the problem have failed. The government is now considering treating the low birth rate as a "structural problem."

The challenge lies in translating this acknowledgement into effective policies that address the multifaceted issues contributing to the crisis. Amidst the gloom, there is a glimmer of hope as some politicians begin to showcase policies aimed at stemming the population decline.

These include initiatives for more public housing and easier loans. Additionally, discussions on the legalization of same-sex marriage and access to sperm donors may provide an avenue for those who wish to have children but face legal barriers. (With inputs from BBC, The Guardian)

More For You

Sri Lanka forms committee to address UK sanctions
Anura Kumara Dissanayake

Sri Lanka forms committee to address UK sanctions

THE Sri Lanka government on Wednesday (2) formed a committee to recommend measures regarding the UK's decision to impose sanctions on three former military commanders who led the campaign that crushed the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in 2009.

Health minister Nalinda Jayatissa told reporters that foreign minister Vijitha Herath, justice minister Harshana Nanayakkara and deputy minister of defence Aruna Jayasekara would comprise the committee that would consult experts for the purpose.

Keep ReadingShow less
Gujarat-blast-ANI

The blast caused the factory’s concrete roof to collapse, scattering debris and body parts across the area, officials confirmed. (Photo: ANI)

ANI

Death toll rises to 21 in Gujarat firework factory explosion

AN EXPLOSION at an illegal firecracker factory in Gujarat's Deesa town killed 21 people and injured several others on Tuesday, officials said.

The blast caused the factory’s concrete roof to collapse, scattering debris and body parts across the area, officials confirmed.

Keep ReadingShow less
Child benefit payments set to rise for UK families

Child benefit, normally paid every four weeks directly into bank accounts, has undergone significant changes in recent months (Photo: Getty Images)

Child benefit payments set to rise for UK families

MILLIONS of British families are set to receive a financial boost as child benefit payments increase from April 7, according to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

From next week, parents will receive £26.05 per week for the eldest or only child, amounting to £1,354.60 annually - up from the current rate of £25.60. For each additional child, payments will rise to £17.25 weekly, totalling £897 per year - an increase from the present £16.95 rate. This represents a 1.7 per cent increase across all payment categories.

Keep ReadingShow less
Anant Ambani Walks 140 Km in Spiritual Tribute on 30th Birthday

Anant’s padyatra is a reflection of the larger cultural fabric of India

Getty

Anant Ambani embarks on a 140-kilometer spiritual journey on foot to celebrate 30th birthday

Anant Ambani, a director of Reliance Industries Limited and a prominent figure in Indian industry, has chosen a unique and spiritual way to mark his 30th birthday. As part of his celebrations, he is currently undertaking a padyatra—a traditional pilgrimage on foot—from Jamnagar to Dwarka, covering a distance of approximately 140 kilometres. The journey reflects his devotion to Lord Dwarkadhish, the presiding deity of the Dwarkadhish Temple in the city of Dwarka.

Anant began his journey from his family’s residence in Moti Khavdi, Jamnagar, and has been progressing steadily for the past five days. Walking an estimated 10-12 kilometres each night, he travels under the protection of Z+ security and local police, ensuring his safety during this significant journey. The padyatra is expected to take between seven to nine days in total, with plans to conclude at the Dwarkadhish Temple in time for his birthday on April 10.

Keep ReadingShow less
New TB action plan proposed as cases surge

Government urged experts to come forward to help draw up a new five-year TB action plan. (Photo: Getty Images)

New TB action plan proposed as cases surge

BRITAIN on Wednesday (2) urged health experts and sufferers of tuberculosis (TB) to come forward to help draw up a new five-year action plan as it deals with record rises in the disease.

In 2023, England recorded its largest annual increase (11 per cent) in cases since enhanced surveillance began in 2000.

Keep ReadingShow less