Part 1/9:
Understanding the Demographic Crisis in South Korea
As one of the most dynamic economies in Asia, South Korea is currently grappling with a demographic crisis characterized by unprecedented low fertility rates. With a fertility rate recorded at an alarming 0.72 children per woman in 2023, South Korea holds the unenviable title of having the lowest fertility rate globally. This statistic suggests a potential decline in population by as much as 94% over a century if current trends persist. What lies at the heart of this demographic collapse? There are many threads to investigate that reveal the complexity of social, cultural, and historical factors at play.