President Yoon announced plans to establish a Ministry of Low Birth Rate Counter Planning in order to address the country’s declining fertility rate, which dropped to 0.72 in 2023. This is far below the 2.1 children needed to maintain the current population of 51 million, leading experts to estimate that the population will nearly halve by the year 2100 if current trends continue. Yoon emphasized the need for a more aggressive and powerful approach to overcome this national emergency, stating that all state resources will be mobilized for this purpose.
In addition to addressing the low birth rate crisis, Yoon also discussed strained ties with Moscow due to arms shipments from North Korea to Russia. He accused North Korea of violating UN Security Council sanctions resolutions related to its nuclear weapons program by exporting offensive weapons. Despite these tensions, Yoon expressed a desire to manage the relationship with Russia smoothly. However, he made it clear that Seoul would not be revising its policy of not selling arms into active conflicts, which has prevented South Korea from providing military aid to Ukraine.
South Korea has long sought to become one of the world’s top arms exporters, aiming to be the fourth largest behind the United States, Russia, and France. Industry research suggests that this goal is achievable, signaling a potential shift in the country’s defense industry. Despite this ambition, Seoul’s stance on not selling arms into active conflicts remains unchanged, highlighting its commitment to maintaining stability in the region. Yoon’s administration is expected to continue pursuing these goals while balancing relationships with key international players.
Yoon’s announcement of the establishment of a dedicated ministry to address the low birth rate crisis reflects the urgency with which the issue is being tackled. With the country’s population projected to nearly halve by 2100 if current trends continue, decisive action is needed to reverse this alarming decline. By mobilizing all state resources and implementing a more aggressive approach, Yoon aims to address this national emergency effectively and prevent further demographic challenges in the future.
In his statements on ties with Moscow and the issue of arms shipments from North Korea, Yoon highlighted South Korea’s adherence to international sanctions and commitment to stability in the region. While recognizing the strained relations with Russia, Yoon emphasized the importance of managing the relationship smoothly while upholding South Korea’s principles. This delicate balancing act reflects the complexities of international diplomacy and the need to navigate sensitive issues with strategic foresight.
Overall, Yoon’s administration faces significant challenges on both the domestic and international fronts, from tackling the low birth rate crisis to managing relationships with key allies and partners. By laying out plans for a dedicated ministry to address the population decline and maintaining a principled stance on arms sales, Yoon signals a commitment to addressing these issues decisively. As South Korea navigates these complex issues, the success of Yoon’s administration will depend on its ability to implement effective policies and navigate diplomatic challenges with skill and foresight.
