Jakarta – South Korea, a country once seen as an example of rapid economic growth and modernization, is now grappling with an unprecedented fertility crisis. It is predicted to be the first country to ‘disappear’ from the Earth.
The birth rate in South Korea has plummeted to a very low level, and if the trend continues, the country’s population could shrink to one-third of its current number by the end of the century.
The reasons behind South Korea’s alarming drop in birth rates are more complex than just socio-economic pressures; there are also deeply rooted gender tensions that have persisted for years.
The Origin of the Problem
Quoted from the Economic Times, it all began with the family planning policy in the 1960s. The South Korean government at that time was concerned that population growth could surpass economic progress. To address this, measures were put in place to reduce the birth rate.
At the time, South Korea’s per capita income was only 20% of the global average, while its fertility rate was high, with six children per woman. By 1982, as the economy grew, the birth rate dropped to 2.4, still above the ideal replacement level of 2.1, but moving in the right direction.
In 1983, South Korea’s birth rate reached a crucial point, matching the replacement level. Since then, the rate has not only decreased, but it has also plummeted drastically.
Initially, the decline in birth rates seemed like a controlled drop, but now it has turned into a major crisis. Experts predict a dramatic population decrease in South Korea. The current population of 52 million could fall to as low as 17 million by the end of the century.
Some predictions suggest South Korea could lose up to 70% of its population, meaning only 14 million people would remain in the country, a worrying situation that could disrupt economic stability.
South Korea’s Strategy
South Korea continues to formulate strategies to increase the birth rate. Tactics used include bringing in foreign nannies to help with childcare, offering large tax reductions, and even discussing whether men with three or more children before the age of 30 should be exempt from mandatory military service.
However, these methods have yet to produce significant changes.
The Priorities of South Korean Women
Many women, especially in urban areas, prioritize their career advancement over starting a family. According to a government survey in 2023, most respondents cited “struggles with parenting” as the main obstacle to women’s career growth.
In recent years, with the rise of dual-income families and better access to educational opportunities, women have gained the independence to delay or even forgo marriage and childbirth.
Additionally, the mindset that marriage is a requirement to become a parent has gradually shifted. Over the past decade, acceptance of unmarried parents has increased from 22% to 35%, indicating a change in societal attitudes. However, only a small fraction, 2.5%, of children are born out of wedlock in South Korea.
Among those who do marry, women demand more equality in household responsibilities. According to data, 92% of women do housework on weekdays, compared to just 61% of men.
This has led to dissatisfaction with traditional marital roles. In a 2024 survey, one-third of women stated they did not want to marry. Among those who don’t want to marry, 93% cited the burden of household chores and raising children as their reasons.
Marriage Migration
Since the turn of the century, there has been a staggering 70% increase in marriages between South Korean men and foreign women. While some view these cross-border marriages as a result of gender imbalance, they also highlight deeper cultural and social issues.
