South Korea’s birth rate continues to decline, hitting a record low of 0.72 in 2023. This trend is leading to concerns about the country’s economy, pension system, and overall security, prompting politicians to declare it a “national emergency.” Financial incentives for having children have not been effective, with couples opting to remain child-free due to various reasons.
One of the primary reasons for the declining birth rate is the challenging work culture in South Korea, with long work hours and a strong emphasis on career advancement. Women like Yejin, a television producer, cite the difficulty of finding a dateable man who will share household responsibilities and childcare equally. Women face pressure to continuously work on self-improvement and fear that taking time off work to have a child may result in losing their jobs.
The high cost of living, particularly housing and private education, also contributes to the decision to forego having children. Many women feel the pressure to provide their children with private tutoring and extracurricular activities, adding to their financial burden. The expectation that women will take time off work to care for their children is also a significant factor, leading many women to prioritize their careers over starting a family.
The situation is exacerbated by cultural norms that stigmatize single living and having children outside of marriage in South Korea. As the country grapples with an aging population and shrinking workforce, policymakers face the challenge of addressing the root causes of the declining birth rate and creating a more supportive environment for individuals who choose to have children.
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