Childbirths in S. Korea extend gains to 2nd month in August

한국 출생아 두달 연속 증가, 합계출산율 0.7 반등할까?

Hello and welcome to Within the Frame, where we bring today’s most pressing global issues into focus. I’m Kim Mok-yeon.
South Korea has been suffering from a chronic low birth rate

It's been a decades-long problem but, in a glimmer of hope, Statistics Korea has revealed that the number of births in the country surpassed 20,000 for two straight months from July.
This is largely attributed to a surge in couples tying the knot as that figure jumped 20 percent on-year in August.
The latest figures highlight the shifting social norms and lifestyles among South Korea's younger generations, who increasingly delay or forgo marriage and parenthood amidst significant demographic challenges.

Today on Within the Frame, we delve into the reasons behind this trend, the shifting perceptions of marriage and childbirth among the younger generations, and the crucial policy measures needed to sustain this hopeful turnaround.

For this, we're joined by Choi Hyun-sun, a Professor at the Department of Public Administration at Myongji University. Welcome to the program, Professor.



Also joining us is Kim Jo-eun, Assistant Professor at the KDI School of Public Policy and Management.
Great to have you too, Professor.


1. (Choi) Let's begin with Professor Choi. So for starters, can you explain for us, how serious is the low birth rate issue South Korea is currently facing?

2. (Kim) Amid this situation, Statistics Korea says the number of births in South Korea surpassed 20,000 for both July and August, marking an increase for two consecutive months. Professor Kim, what does the current birth rate increase signify, and what does the rise for the second month indicate?

3. (Choi) Then Professor Choi, what are the underlying reasons for the increase in the number of births?

4. (Kim) In addition to this, as many of us would know, earlier surveys indicated that the younger generations had a negative perception of marriage and childbirth, but recent investigations by the Low Birth Rate Committee have detected changes.
Professor Kim, what did the recent surveys reveal, and what might be the reasons for this change?

5. (Choi) The presidential office has described the increase in births for two consecutive months as "very hopeful," stating that "signals of a turnaround in low birth rates are beginning to emerge." Professor Choi, do you believe this trend of increasing births will continue?

6. (Kim) In relation to this, South Korea's total fertility rate, which refers to the average number of expected births per woman in her lifetime -is at around 0.7, the lowest among OECD countries. Professor Kim, can the increase in births be viewed as an opportunity for a rebound in the total fertility rate?

7. (Kim) Then, In order to transform the increase in births into a turning point for low birth rates, what changes need to be made in societal structures Professor Kim?

8. (Choi) Amid this situation, the Low Birth Rate and Aging Society Committee recently held its 5th emergency meeting on population and announced new specific policies to address low birth rates. What were some noteworthy policies Professor Choi?

9. (Kim) How about you Professor Kim? How do you evaluate the new policy tasks presented at the emergency population meeting? What are the challenges for implementing these policies?

10. (Choi) At this point, many would wonder, is this low birth rate only a serious problem here in South Korea? How are other countries coping with theirs? Professor Choi?

11. (Choi) Meanwhile, the bill to establish a Population Strategy Planning Division, which would control low birth rate policies, was introduced last July but has not passed through the National Assembly's standing committee.
Will the increase in births give momentum to discussions about establishing this division?


Alright, we'll have to end it just right here, Professor Choi and Professor Ki, thank you for your time and your insights tonight. We appreciate it.

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2024-10-31, 20:30 (KST)