North and South Korea are facing significant challenges when it comes to their falling birth rates and looming population decline. North Korea’s fertility rate currently stands at 1.78 births per woman, according to estimates, continuing a downward trend that has been ongoing since about 2008. The country’s leader, Kim Jong Un, has addressed the issue by appealing to women to have more children and contribute to the country’s future. However, reports suggest that authorities have been cracking down on the use of birth control and punishments for doctors performing secret abortions.
On the other hand, South Korea has the lowest fertility rate in the world at 0.72, despite having allocated significant resources towards initiatives aimed at increasing birth rates over the past 18 years. President Yoon Suk-yeol’s government is establishing a new ministry to address demographic concerns, including aging, immigration, and housing. The country has implemented policies such as matchmaking events with monetary rewards for couples and initiatives to improve work-life balance and reduce commute times. However, financial obstacles and shifting cultural norms have contributed to younger South Koreans prioritizing personal freedoms and careers over starting families.
North Korea, with a population of 26 million, faces challenges due to international sanctions that have limited access to advanced machinery and automation. The country’s fertility rate is higher than several other countries, but reports suggest that authorities are cracking down on birth control and secret abortions. Instead of implementing comprehensive economic reforms to encourage larger families, Kim Jong Un’s regime has tightened state control in response to “anti-socialist” behavior. This approach may not be sustainable in the long term as the workforce continues to decline.
In contrast, South Korea’s government has invested significant resources in initiatives to address falling birth rates, but these efforts have shown limited success. High real estate prices in urban areas like the Seoul Metropolitan Area, as well as changing cultural norms that prioritize career and personal freedoms, have made it challenging for younger South Koreans to start families. Reports indicate that consumer trends reflect this shift, with dog strollers outselling baby strollers on a major South Korean e-commerce site. The government is taking steps to address these challenges, including establishing a new ministry to focus on demographic concerns.
Overall, both North and South Korea are grappling with the implications of falling birth rates and declining populations. While North Korea is facing challenges due to international sanctions and a reliance on physical labor, South Korea is struggling with financial obstacles and changing cultural norms. Both countries are implementing initiatives to address these issues, but the effectiveness of these strategies remains to be seen. The future demographic landscape of both countries will depend on their ability to adapt to these challenges and encourage sustainable population growth.
