South Korea's Struggling Child Population: An Overview
South Korea is bracing for a steady population decline over the next two decades, according to a recent report broadcast on "Special Envoy" on September 18, 2025. The report, which is now available for replay on France Télévisions' website, discusses various factors contributing to this demographic shift, including low birth rates and an aging population.
By 2042, South Korea's population is projected to decrease from approximately 51 million in 2026 to around 45 million or lower. This decline is a concern for the Presidential Committee on Aging Society and Population Policy of South Korea, as it could have significant implications for the country's economy and social structure.
The report cites a study by Lim, Byung-In1 and Seo, Hye-Rim1 (2021), titled "The Relationship Between Women's Family Values and Their Intention to Get Married and Have Children," as one of the sources of this projection. The study explores the role of women's family values in their decision to marry and have children, providing insights into the factors that might be influencing South Korea's low birth rates.
Another factor discussed in the report is the effectiveness of family fertility support policies. A study by Zhang et al. (2023) is referenced in this regard, offering insights into how these policies might impact fertility rates in South Korea.
The report also delves into the population prospects of Koreans and foreigners, based on the 2022 Population Projections: 2022~2042. The data used in this analysis comes from the OECD Dashboard on Gender Gaps, offering a comprehensive view of the demographic changes expected in South Korea over the next two decades.
Preliminary results of Birth and Death Statistics in 2024 are also included in the report, providing a current snapshot of the population trends. The report does not exhaustively list all its sources, but it promises a thorough and informative analysis of South Korea's low-fertility trends, as outlined in Korea's Unborn Future.
The report serves as a call to action for policymakers and society at large to address the issues contributing to South Korea's population decline and to develop effective strategies to support families and encourage childbirth. As the country navigates this demographic shift, understanding the factors at play and the potential implications for the future is crucial.
