SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — The number of babies born in South Korea rebounded for the first time in nine years in 2024, welcome news for a country grappling with one of the the world’s most serious demographic crises. South Korea’s statistics agency said Wednesday that 238,300 babies were born last year, an increase of […]
The number of babies born in South Korea rebounded in 2024, marking the first increase in nearly a decade. The country recorded 238,300 births, up by 8,300 from 2023, with the fertility rate rising to 0.75 from 0.72. The rebound was attributed to delayed marriages during the COVID-19 pandemic, more people entering their early 30s, and a slight increase in young people aspiring to have children. Despite these signs, experts caution that the demographic challenges remain significant, as young people continue to face difficulties in raising children in South Korea’s competitive society. The government has been offering financial incentives and support programs to address the issue.
