Dying population: Could South Korea become the first country to disappear from the face of Earth?
With growing concerns about South Korea’s severe population crisis and low birth rate, the question of what the country’s future looks like has emerged.
The fertility rate in South Korea is currently the lowest in the world, with women having an average of just 0.78 children.
This is far below the replacement level of 2.1.
Projections suggest the population could reduce from 52 million to 17 million by the end of the century.
Despite government incentives like tax breaks and childcare support to tackle the situation, not much seems to be changing.
President Yoon Suk-yeol's administration has also proposed exempting men from military service if they have three children by age 30.
However, these measures have had very little impact so far.
How it started
South Korea used to have a relatively stable population, one that was probably overgrowing, with about 6 children per woman, raising concerns for the government. To deal with the impending problem of overpopulation, the government in the 1960s introduced an intentional family planning policy as part of efforts to reduce birth rates.
At the time, South Korea’s per capita income was just 20% of the global average.
About 20 years later, the fertility rate had fallen to 2.4, which was still above the replacement level of 2.1, but by 1983, the fertility rate was just on the replacement level.
The problem was this drop didn't stop; the decline continued, leading to the country's glaring population crisis today.
What is causing the low numbers?
One of the main reasons for the crisis is the rising cost of living and the burden of parenting in the country.
Many South Korean women have highlighted unequal household responsibilities that come with starting a family as the reason they feel discouraged.
A 2024 survey found that 93% of women cited housework and child-rearing as barriers to marriage.
Another issue is the country’s low gender equality ranking. South Korea sits at 94th globally, with women demanding more opportunities and balanced roles at home. Many feel the system favours men, adding to the growing gender divide.
Declining marriage rates add to the problem
Fewer South Koreans are choosing to marry, further affecting the birth rate. Some women now prefer focusing on careers or opting out of traditional family roles.
The government has also struggled to attract immigrants to stabilise the population. Unlike Western countries, where immigration helps balance out low birth rates, only 4% of South Korea's labour force is foreign-born.
Unless South Korea addresses these deep-rooted issues, experts fear the population crisis could worsen, leaving the country with a declining society whose population will age and phase out eventually.
