Is it true that one in five married South Korean women faced career breaks in 2025?
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Synopsis
In a remarkable shift, data reveals that one in five married women in South Korea faced career breaks in 2025. This trend signals a turning point in societal attitudes and workplace policies that support work-life balance. What factors contribute to this decline, and how does it relate to the nation's ongoing struggle with a low birth rate? Read on to discover the insights.
Key Takeaways
- 21.3 percent of married women faced career interruptions in 2025.
- Career breaks are more common among women with younger children.
- Government policies supporting family life are critical to this trend.
- The total fertility rate in South Korea reached 0.75 in 2024.
- Changing societal attitudes are influencing women's participation in the workforce.
Seoul, Nov 20 (NationPress) One in five married women with children in South Korea encountered career interruptions this year, according to government data released on Thursday. This statistic marks the lowest incidence observed, primarily attributed to evolving social perceptions and enhanced work-life balance initiatives.
As of April, the count of married women aged 15 to 54, living with children under 18, who exited the workforce was recorded at 885,000, which is a decline of 85,000 compared to the previous year, as reported by the Ministry of Data and Statistics and Yonhap News Agency.
The percentage of married women experiencing career breaks now stands at 21.3 percent, reflecting a decrease of 1.4 percentage points from last year. This is the lowest rate since such data was first tracked in 2014.
The Ministry credits this reduction to the increasing economic engagement of women and various governmental measures that promote childbirth and childcare.
However, it was noted that career interruptions remain prevalent among married women with multiple and younger children. Specifically, the number of women with children aged six or younger was 461,000, in contrast to 133,000 for those with children aged 13 to 17.
Regarding the number of children, the rate of career breaks was 20.2 percent for women with one child, 22.3 percent for those with two, and 23.9 percent for those with three or more.
Out of the women who left their jobs, 44.3 percent cited child-rearing as their main reason. Meanwhile, 24.2 percent ceased working upon marriage, and 24.4 percent attributed their decision to pregnancy and childbirth.
South Korea continues to face challenges with a declining birth rate, as many young individuals opt to postpone or forgo marriage and parenting. To foster marriage and enhance fertility rates, the government has broadened various benefits and support for childcare.
In 2024, the total fertility rate, which represents the average number of children a woman is expected to have throughout her life, saw a recovery for the first time in nine years, reaching 0.75.
Point of View
I find this data revealing. The decline in career interruptions among married women in South Korea signals a potential shift towards greater gender equality in the workplace. However, the persistent low birth rate highlights the need for continued governmental support and societal changes to encourage family growth.
NationPress
20/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What percentage of married women in South Korea faced career breaks?
In 2025, 21.3 percent of married women with children experienced career interruptions.
What reasons did women give for career breaks?
44.3 percent cited child-rearing as their primary reason for leaving the workforce.
How has the birth rate in South Korea changed recently?
The total fertility rate rebounded to 0.75 in 2024, marking the first increase in nine years.
What age group of children is most associated with career breaks?
Women with children aged six or younger showed a higher rate of career interruptions.
What policies have contributed to the decline in career breaks?
Government initiatives supporting childbirth and childcare, along with changing social perceptions, have contributed to this decline.
