Understanding South Korea's Alarming Birth Rate Crisis
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The Reality Behind South Korea's Low Birth Rate
Despite South Korea's cultural prominence, exemplified by K-Pop sensations like BTS and hit shows like Squid Game, the youth often refer to their nation using bleak terms such as "Hell-Chosun" or "Fire-Peninsula." Why do they characterize their homeland in such a negative light? Let’s delve into the hard facts.
As of 2023, South Korea reports the lowest birth rate globally at just 0.6769%. This statistic implies that fewer than one child is born for every couple. Alarmingly, the nation also grapples with a suicide rate of 25.2 per 100,000, ranking it 12th worldwide. Moreover, 40% of South Koreans aged 66 and older live in poverty, the highest rate among OECD countries.
Reflecting on personal experiences, I recall playing "Diablo II," where difficulty levels range from “Normal” to “Hell.” Although life in South Korea is significantly better than in North Korea, the MZ generation still chooses to label it "Hell." What drives these sentiments? Let’s examine the issues systematically.
1. Competitive Culture and Its Consequences
Korean parents are notoriously competitive. Even before birth, many mothers engage in prenatal music sessions. As children grow, they are subjected to a barrage of extracurricular classes. Starting at age three, kids embark on a rigorous schedule of English, math, science, music, and sports lessons. By high school, the pressure escalates, with students enduring grueling study hours to secure spots in prestigious universities, which are seen as critical for career success.
Daily schedules in typical Korean high schools are unforgiving, with classes from 9 am until 6 pm, followed by self-study sessions monitored by teachers until late at night. The expectation to excel drives many students to attend additional classes well into the night.
In fact, my nephew, residing in Daechi-dong, a hub of educational excellence in Seoul, is already tackling calculus at the fifth-grade level. The immense pressure on these young minds is staggering.
Graduating from a prestigious university is merely a baseline requirement for job interviews; it doesn’t guarantee employment. This leads to further competition for certifications that can differentiate candidates in a saturated job market.
2. Housing Costs and Economic Strain
The average annual income in South Korea is around USD 48,922, while the cost of a house in Seoul is approximately USD 703,020. This means individuals would need to work for over 14 years without spending anything to afford a home in the capital. The high living costs and lack of parental support complicate the prospect of homeownership.
3. Insufficient Support for Families
The trend of Dual Income No Kids (DINK) is becoming increasingly common among married couples in Korea. The high cost of living compels both partners to work, yet the lack of a robust daycare system and limited maternity/paternity leave creates immense challenges for families.
Many employees fear job loss after taking parental leave, leading to a culture where the choice between career and family becomes a painful dilemma.
5. A Culture of Consideration
South Koreans recognize the societal pressures and often choose not to perpetuate the cycle of stress by opting against having children. This leads to the perception of selfishness, as the desire to avoid passing down struggles takes precedence over traditional family values.
Wrapping Up
The South Korean government is aware of these pressing issues and has implemented various policies to combat the declining birth rate. Nonetheless, the numbers continue to drop annually. If this trajectory persists, the younger generation will bear an increasing burden of supporting the aging population, which raises the question: who would willingly choose to have children under these circumstances?
We can only hope for a future where South Korea transforms into a nation that not only shines on screen but also offers a nurturing environment for its citizens.
The first video titled "Why S. Korea has the lowest birth rate in the world | DW News" delves into the underlying reasons behind this alarming trend.
The second video, "South Korea breaks own record for world's lowest fertility rate," discusses the implications of this ongoing crisis.
References
[1]: Macrotrends (2023)| South Korea Birth Rate 1950–2023 | MacroTrends
[2]: Sam Kim (2022)| Korea’s Suicide Rate Rises, Remains Highest Among OECD Nations — Bloomberg
[3]: Cheon Ho-sung (2023)| 40% of Koreans 66 and up are living in poverty, the highest rate in OECD: National: News: The Hankyoreh (hani.co.kr)
[4]: L. Yoon (2023)| Average salary in South Korea annually 2022 | Statista
[5]: Statista Research Department (2023)| South Korea: price of houses in Seoul by type 2023 | Statista
[6]: L. Yoon (2023) | University enrollment rate in South Korea 2022 | Statista
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4. Social Comparison and Its Impact
Social media platforms have heightened the expectations of South Koreans. Many feel pressured to maintain a certain image, leading to unrealistic standards for marriage and family life. The societal expectation for extravagant weddings can cost around USD 8,000, which deters many from pursuing marriage and parenthood.