For the first time in 2020, Korea showed negative population growth. The “death cross”, in which the number of births is less than the death toll, began. It was not recently that the issue of low birth rates in Korea was raised. Low birth rates have continued to be raised, and the government has made various policies and commitments to solve this problem. However, there was a limit to slowing Korea’s population decline.
Countries that belong to the world’s most advanced nations have low birth rates. Among them, however, Korea’s population decline is swift, as you can see from the fact that the National Statistical Office moved up the start of Korea’s population decline from 2032 to 2029. The population cliff is a serious problem.
The causes of low birth rates will usually include increased women’s advancement in society, career breaks, reduced marriages due to youth employment instability, and increased awareness of enjoying one’s life rather than having children. Most of the time, they are common factors that every developed country faces. These seem to be dilemma-level problems.
The South Korean government is constantly trying to solve low birth rates by encouraging maternity leave, among other solutions. But, indeed, there are still many challenges. In addition, social awareness, institutions, and the environment for childbirth must be changed to solve the problem of low birth rates. It is possible only if a lot of people change in many areas. It is a difficult task. However, new life is a joy and a blessing. Therefore, it will be necessary to create social systems, perceptions, and environments so that childbirth will not be abandoned due to social restrictions.
