South Korea Sees Birth Rate Increase for 7th Month in January
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Synopsis
Seoul, March 26 (NationPress) reports a significant rise in South Korea's birth rate for January, marking seven consecutive months of growth amid a demographic crisis. The total number of births reached 23,947, reflecting a positive trend and increased perceptions of marriage and parenthood among younger generations.
Key Takeaways
- 23,947 babies born in January 2024
- 11.6% increase from last year
- First rise in January births since 2015
- Government initiatives support marriage and parenthood
- Deaths surged by 21.9% to 39,473
Seoul, March 26 (NationPress) The number of infants born in South Korea has experienced a rise for the seventh straight month in January, according to data released on Wednesday. This is an encouraging development for a nation facing a demographic challenge.
A total of 23,947 infants were born in January, representing an 11.6% increase from the 21,461 births recorded a year earlier, based on data from Statistics Korea, as reported by Yonhap news agency.
This upward trend has been apparent since July 2024, making this the highest year-over-year increase for any January since the agency began tracking such information in 1981.
Additionally, it marks the first rise in births during January since 2015.
“The growth in the population of individuals in their early 30s, a critical age for childbearing, has played a role,” explained Kang Hyun-young, an official from the agency. She noted that more favorable views regarding marriage and parenthood amongst younger generations have contributed to this increase.
The increase is also influenced by the base effect, as January 2024 had previously recorded the lowest year-over-year growth.
South Korea has been facing a continuous decline in its birth rate, with a growing number of young adults opting to postpone or forgo marriage and parenting. In response, the government has implemented various incentives for marriage and childcare support programs to enhance the fertility rate.
It is worth noting that South Korea recorded its first increase in births in nine years in 2024, attributed to a rise in marriages post-pandemic, changing perspectives on parenthood, and demographic shifts.
Meanwhile, the number of deaths surged by 21.9% year-on-year to 39,473 in January, marking the steepest annual rise for any January.
The agency linked this substantial increase to the aging population, exacerbated by harsh winter conditions like cold waves and heavy snowfall, which caused a rise in elderly fatalities.
Consequently, South Korea reported a natural population decline of 15,526 for the month.
Since the fourth quarter of 2019, the number of deaths has consistently outnumbered births.
The report also indicated a slight uptick in marriages, with a 0.7% increase year-on-year to 20,153 in January, while divorces saw a decrease of 12.8% year-on-year to 6,922.
