Summary
In January, South Korea experienced its highest number of births for that month in six years, with nearly 27,000 new babies. Despite this increase, the country still faces challenges with a low fertility rate and an aging population. Demographic experts warn that the birth rate improvement may not last because younger generations are smaller.
Key Facts
- Nearly 27,000 babies were born in South Korea in January, the most for that month since 2019.
- The total fertility rate in January was 0.99, slightly higher than the previous year.
- For 2025, the fertility rate was 0.80, still below the 2.1 needed to maintain the population size.
- Birth rates have increased for 18 months in a row, largely due to women in their 30s having children.
- Marriages in January went up by 12.4%, the highest January number since 2018.
- Despite the rise in births and marriages, South Korea's population shrank by 5,539 in January as deaths exceeded births.
- Over 20% of South Korea’s population is now aged 65 or older.
- The country has invested over $200 billion in pro-natal policies like childcare subsidies.
