In 2024, for the first time in nine years, South Korea saw an increase in the number of babies born, marking a positive shift for a nation dealing with pressing demographic issues. South Korea’s statistics office reported on Wednesday that 238,300 infants were welcomed last year, a rise of 8,300 compared to the previous year. This development also saw a slight increase in the fertility rate—in 2024, the rate was 0.75, compared to 0.72 in 2023.
The resurgence in births represents the first annual increase since 2015, drawing attention from experts and officials alike. Choi Yoon Kyung from the Korea Institute of Child Care and Education remarked on Thursday that this rebound holds significant meaning. However, she cautioned that it requires further observation over the coming years to determine whether it is merely a temporary spike or indicative of deeper, lasting changes in society.
According to Park Hyun Jung, a senior official at Statistics Korea, part of the rise in birth numbers can be attributed to an upsurge in marriages among couples who deferred their weddings during the COVID-19 pandemic. Park also noted an increase in the number of individuals in their early 30s, as well as a governmental survey indicating that more young people were interested in having children after marriage.
Despite the recent increase, official statistics pointed out that in previous years, South Korea’s fertility rate has been the lowest among developed nations. In 2022, South Korea was the sole member of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development with a fertility rate below 1. This poses significant challenges for the South Korean economy, the fourth largest in Asia, potentially leading to labor shortages and increased welfare costs.
Both central and regional governments in South Korea have been offering financial incentives and supportive programs to encourage childbearing, yet analysts highlight ongoing challenges. Many young adults remain reluctant to have children due to high housing costs, limited social mobility, the financial burden of raising and educating children, and societal norms expecting women to shoulder most childcare responsibilities. These factors heavily impact decisions about starting families.
Park suggests that the upward trend in fertility might continue for at least another year. However, many observers caution that this trend could reverse as post-pandemic marriage rates stabilize, compounded by an eventual decline in citizens reaching their early 30s. Some analysts argue for targeted support towards young couples eager to start families rather than broad social initiatives.
“There are individuals with strong aspirations to build families and have children,” explained Choi. She argued that assisting these couples in fulfilling their family plans could help sustain the fertility rate and prevent a sharp decline.
