Why is the population in decline?
Photo: KIM HEE-CHUL / EFE
Friday, September 20
South Korea alarms for registering more deaths than births for the first time
For the first time in its history, South Korea recorded more deaths than births in 2020, an alarming fact for this country that has the lowest birth record in the world.
Alone 80. 800 baby is were born last year, which represents a decrease in 10% in comparison with 2015, and died 300. 764 people.
These figures drove the minister or from the Interior to call for “fundamental changes” in the country’s policies.
Incentives
A population decline means immense pressure for a country.
In addition to the increased pressure on public spending as demand increases on the systems of health and pensions , a young population declining also leads to a labor shortage that has a direct impact on the economy.
Last month, President Moon Jae-in launched a series of policies aimed at solving the problem of low birth rates, including incentives in ef ective for families.
Under this scheme, starting from 2021, each child born will receive a US $ 1 cash bonus. 850 , to help cover prenatal expenses, plus a monthly payment of about US $ 300 until the baby is one year old.
This payment will increase to US $ 460 per month starting from 2025.
The reasons behind the decline
The fall in the birth rate is mainly due to the fact that, in South Korea, women have difficulties reaching a balance between work and the rest of the demands , explains Julie Yoon from the BBC’s Korean Service.
Hyun-yu Kim is one of them. The eldest of four children, she dreamed of having a large family.
But given the conditions in her country, which are not favorable for having a large family, she is reconsidering her plan to have children.
She recently accepted a new job and that made her anxious about taking maternity time.
“People tell me that it’s safer to build my career first,” he tells the BBC.
The rise in property price is another major issue.
Kim says this also discourages young couples.
“To have children, you have to have your own house. But this has become an impossible dream in Korea. ”
Kim is also not convinced by the incentives the government is offering.
“Raising a child is expensive,” he says, and the government providing them with an additional sum of money is not going to solve the problem.
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