New Delhi:
South Korea is much talked about in the world for its economic growth and modernization. But, this country is worried about its decreasing population. For the first time in the history of the country, such a huge decline in population has been recorded. Experts are calling the rapidly decreasing population an alarm bell. Experts estimate that if effective steps are not taken, the population of South Korea may reduce by two-thirds by the end of this century. Due to this the very existence of this country will be in danger. South Korea may not become the first country to disappear from the earth.
In the 1960s, South Korea implemented a variety of family planning policies to reduce the population rate. At that time, South Korea’s per capita income was only 20% of the global average. The fertility rate was 6 children per woman. By 1982, with economic growth, South Korea’s fertility rate had fallen to 2.4. The fertility rate continued to decline rapidly for the next few decades.
Let us understand why the population of South Korea is decreasing rapidly? What are the rules regarding population control in this country? What challenges will the country face due to population decline:-
What is the population now?
The main reason for the declining population of South Korea is the low fertility rate. The fertility rate of this country is already the lowest in the world. At present the population of South Korea is about 51 million. It is estimated that this number will reduce to around 25-30 million by 2067. The share of the elderly population in South Korea is growing at the fastest rate in the world. In 2019, the elderly population here was 14.9%. It is estimated to be 46.5% in 2067.
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Population will be halved by 2100
Data released by Statistics Korea shows that the fertility rate in the country has decreased by 8% in 2023 compared to 2022. If this continues, the population of 51 million will be halved by 2100.
What is the national birth rate?
South Korea’s national birth rate has reached a record low of 0.72 children per woman in 2023. It is expected to fall further to 0.6 by the end of this year. According to the World Bank, in the 60s the average fertility rate worldwide was more than 5. Currently the average fertility rate in the world is 2.3. There are many countries in the world where the fertility rate is less than 1.
Why is South Korea on the verge of collapse?
There are many reasons behind the population crisis in South Korea:-
Continuous increase in cost of living
The biggest reason behind the continuous decline in population is the continuous increase in the cost of living. Considering the increasing daily expenses, couples do not want to have children. Because couples associate high cost of living with falling quality of life.
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low fertility rate
South Korea has a very low fertility rate, one of the lowest in the world. Urban women have started giving priority to their careers rather than having children and starting a family. In fact, double income family and access to employment and education have changed the thinking of women. Women want equal participation of men in household chores.
growing old
South Korea’s population is aging rapidly, making the population crisis even more serious. Last year, about 307,764 people died in South Korea. In the year 2019, the birth rate in South Korea was only 0.92. Only 275,800 children were born here in the year 2020.
changing gender roles
A 2024 survey found that 93% of women who did not want to marry considered raising children and household chores a burden.
loss of interest in marriage
One-third of women have expressed disinterest in marriage, which is an important factor in the decline in the birth rate. In rural areas, men face difficulties in finding partners, marriages are not taking place there. The men here are marrying women from countries like Vietnam.
What steps is the government taking to reduce the population crisis?
The South Korean government has implemented several measures to combat the falling birth rate. These include:-
Financial Incentive: Tax exemptions and subsidies are being given for child care.
Workplace Reform: Policies to encourage work-life balance have been introduced especially for working mothers.
Exemption in military service: In South Korea, men who have three or more children by the age of 30 are exempted from military service.
Emphasis on change in policies: The country’s Home Ministry has talked about ‘fundamental changes’ in its policies in view of this. The government has initiated several policies to deal with the problem of low birth rate. This also includes giving cash rewards to families.
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Reward of 10 lakh won for every child born
The government of South Korea has implemented a policy of giving an amount of 10 lakh won (South Korean currency) (675 euros i.e. 67 thousand Indian rupees) to the mother for every child born from 2022. Apart from this, three lakh won per month will be given till the age of one year. From the year 2025, this amount will be increased to 5 lakh won.
Huge budget kept for family expansion
The South Korean government is planning to give 100 million won in cash to parents for the birth of each child. The government is planning to spend half of its budget on this scheme. The government hopes that such a scheme can boost the country’s declining population rate. The government’s Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission is conducting a survey for public opinion before implementing the scheme.
There will be change in paternity leave pattern also
The South Korean government is bringing a major change in the rate of taking paternity leave. In this, 70% fathers can take leave to take care of their children. These steps are being taken to deal with population related challenges. In 2022, only 6.8% fathers went on leave. At present both mother and father can take leave for one year, which can be divided into 3 slots. Starting in February, the total parental leave period can be extended to 18 months, divided into four periods.
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Parents who take leave from work will get compensation
The compensation limit for parents taking leave from work will be increased from the current 1.5 million won to 2.5 million won per month for the first 3 months of their leave. Monthly compensation will gradually reduce to 2 million won for the next three months and 1.6 million won for the next 6 months.
Target to rapidly increase fertility rate by 2030
The government plans to rapidly increase the fertility rate by 2030. The government also plans to support fertility testing for 210,000 people in 2027, up from 80,000 in 2022.
China was forced to change its policies after decreasing population.
For many years, China was also struggling with the problem of decreasing population. There was a one child policy for many years since 1980. Due to this, the population was controlled, but the youth population started decreasing and the elderly population started increasing. To deal with this, the government came up with a two-child policy. It also did not make much difference. Now three child policy has been introduced two years ago i.e. in 2022. The government is also giving extra leaves and incentives for having children. Yet the birth rate continues to decline. People have started feeling that raising more children is neither financially easy nor physically and mentally possible for them.
RSS chief in India also advocated for 3 children
Recently, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief Dr. Mohan Bhagwat had advocated for producing more children. He said that so that the society does not get destroyed, everyone should have at least 3 children. Bhagwat said these things in the ‘Kathle Kul Sammelan’ organized in Nagpur on 1 December.
Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat said, “The country’s population policy was decided in 1998-2002. According to this, the population growth rate should not be below 2.1. If this happens, the society will automatically be destroyed. Now No human being is born 0.1… so it should be at least 3.”
Let us tell you that according to United Nations data, India’s current fertility rate is around 2. India’s population will reach 170 crores in 2062. The population will start declining between January and July in 2062.
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