SEJONG, Oct. 15 (Korea Bizwire) – As South Korea grapples with one of the world’s lowest birth rates, a new study suggests that rising income inequality may be a significant contributing factor, prompting calls for integrated redistribution and birth support policies. The research, presented at a recent fiscal policy forum by Lee Jong Ha, a professor [...]
SEOUL, Oct. 9 (Korea Bizwire) – As South Korea grapples with a plummeting birth rate, a growing number of childcare facilities are finding new purpose as long-term care centers for the elderly, highlighting the country’s dramatic demographic shift. According to data obtained by Representative Jeon Jin-suk of the Democratic Party from 17 provincial and metropolitan governments, [...]
SEOUL, Sept. 23 (Korea Bizwire) — President Yoon Suk Yeol sent a congratulatory gift and letter to the parents of newborn quintuplets Sunday, his office said. The quintuplets — two girls and three boys — were born Friday to parents who work in public education in Dongducheon, 39 kilometers north of Seoul. “It is everyone’s [...]
SEOUL, Sept. 2 (Korea Bizwire) — A recent survey has revealed that nearly 43% of South Koreans aged 20 to 49 have no intention of having children, highlighting the persistent demographic challenges facing the country. However, the study also suggests that expanded government policies and corporate support could sway a significant portion of this group to [...]
SEOUL, Jul. 1 (Korea Bizwire) — South Korea will launch a new ministry of population strategy to address low birth rates and a rapidly aging population, which have emerged as some of the starkest challenges facing the country, officials said Monday. The government unveiled the plan following high-level meetings with the ruling party, saying that [...]
SEOUL, Jun. 26 (Korea Bizwire) — The number of babies born in South Korea marked on-year growth for the first time in 19 months in April, data showed Wednesday, as the country is struggling to boost its ultra-low birth rate. A total of 19,049 babies were born in April 2024, up 2.8 percent from a [...]
SEOUL, Jun. 25 (Korea Bizwire) – The children’s clothing market in South Korea is experiencing steady growth despite a declining birth rate and shrinking child population, according to recent industry analysis. Data from market research firm Euromonitor reveals that the domestic children’s clothing market was worth 2.45 trillion won in 2023, a 33% increase from 1.84 [...]
BUSAN, Jun. 24 (Korea Bizwire) – As local governments across South Korea grapple with a looming demographic crisis, one district in the city of Busan is taking an unprecedented approach: offering substantial financial incentives for couples who meet through government-sponsored matchmaking events and decide to marry. Saha District in Busan announced on June 22 that it [...]
SEOUL, Jun. 3 (Korea Bizwire) – The number of medical facilities capable of handling births in South Korea has plummeted by over 30% in the past decade, according to recent government data, raising concerns over access to maternal care across the nation. More than 70 regions either lack obstetrician-gynecologist (OB-GYN) clinics entirely or have facilities unable [...]
SEJONG, May 28 (Korea Bizwire) – A procession of studies has highlighted the inverse relationship between women’s economic participation and birthrates in South Korea, where childcare responsibilities still largely fall on mothers. The International Monetary Fund recently urged South Korea and Japan to establish a positive cycle in which greater female workforce participation contributes to economic [...]