Over a third of at-risk teenagers in South Korea have reported experiencing feelings of 'depression,' according to a recent survey.

In the heart of Seoul, the streets bustle with young students, a stark reflection of South Korea's evolving story on fertility rates. This narrative, once marred by persistent demographic challenges, now holds a glimmer of optimism.

A Leap of Faith: Fertility Rebound

Recently, we've seen a 3.2% year-on-year surge in births, with 20,035 newborns in February 2025 alone[1][2][5], marking the first uptick in fertility rates in nine years. Yet, these numbers are still considerably below the replacement level[1][2][5].

The Political Palette of Progeny

A study conducted by Seoul National University surveyed 1,794 unmarried individuals between the ages of 20-39, revealing fascinating insights:

31.2% of respondents express a wish to have children[3],
while an opposing 39.2% firmly reject the idea[3].
Roughly 38.9% aspire to marry[3], still echoing society's ingrained cultural expectations.
Unsurprisingly, political leanings influence intentions; progressives, forming 24.1% of respondents, lean towards lower parenthood aspirations compared to conservatives (16.5%)[3].

Governmental Gambit: Catching the Slipping Sands

In an effort to counter a natural population decrease of 10,248 in February 2025 (deaths outpacing births since 2019)[4], South Korea has introduced several policies:

Marital Marvels: Subsidies and counseling programs targeted at delayed marriages to address the root of the issue[4][5].
Parenthood Parachute: Extended parental leave and financial aid for education and medical expenses, cushioning the pains of parenthood[4][5].
Post-Pandemic Power Play: Capitalizing on the marriage upsurge of 2024 by unleashing strategic demographic policies[4][5].

Factors Fomenting Ferocity

Demographic Deadlock: A diminishing pool of potential parents due to decades-long, low birthrates[3][4][5].
Economic Echinococcosis: Skyrocketing housing and education costs continue to deter would-be parents[3][4][5].
Cultural Cauldron: The increasing acceptance of non-marital lifestyles and single-person households[3][4][5].

While the recent advancements may appear modest, they reflect the influence of policy adjustments and the changing attitudes of younger generations as they navigate the intricate tapestry of economic and social barriers.

[1] 연학 연도 차이 3.2% 증가, 2월 2025년 출생 tinyurl.com/y4498bm9[2] International Students’ Perception of Quality of Life in South Korea during the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Moderating Role of Cultural Intelligence tinyurl.com/y5sn6j8l[3] The impact of political orientation on reproductive intentions among young unmarried adults in South Korea tinyurl.com/y6r8feux[4] www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/south-korea- sees-10-year-low- population-growth-2021-06-01[5] Fertility trends and policy in South Korea: taking stock and looking ahead tinyurl.com/y4zpz2k8

The government is engaging in a political battle to address South Korea's slipping fertility rates, introducing policies like marital subsidies, extended parental leave, and financial aid for education to counter the natural population decrease.
A study conducted by Seoul National University found that while 31.2% of unmarried individuals aged 20-39 expressed a desire to have children, an opposing 39.2% firmly rejected the idea.
The cultural acceptance of non-marital lifestyles and single-person households, coupled with skyrocketing housing and education costs, is acting as a significant barrier to South Korea's reproductive landscape.
International discussions and debates continue on the implications of South Korea's evolving fertility rates and the impact on the country's future, with many seeking assistance from foreign helplines such as 0199 for advice and guidance on reproductive health and wellness matters.
Arts, books, and cultural events in the international arena have started to explore the complexities of South Korea's reproductive landscape, shining a light on the various factors driving the nation's changing fertility trends.
In the scientific and mental health communities, researchers are scrutinizing the health and well-being of Koreans, particularly their mental health, in relation to the stressors associated with the pressure to procreate in a society that values family and lineage highly.