Rapid rush to demise Drastic steps needed to cope with demographic decline Undoubtedly, the fast-dwindling population and record-low birthrate are the most pressing and imminent challenges facing Korea. Diverse global institutes and media outlets warn against the possible demise of Korea Inc. unless the unprecedented demographic drop is contained effectively and immediately. It is worrying that the Yoon Suk Yeol administration has been more focused on political wrangling in the lead-up to the crucial general elections scheduled for April 10, rather than effectively addressing the problem at hand. The main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) is also facing criticism for not taking the necessary steps, despite being the majority party in the National Assembly. The Ministry of Education recently unveiled data showing the number of children about to enter elementary school nationwide will reach the 300,000 range for the first time, including 50,000 who are set to enroll in Seoul schools. This is the r esult of a rapid decline in the school-age population amid the world's lowest birthrate. Global experts have warned, "Korea can become the first nation that will face extinction due to an evaporating population." The ministry has projected that the number of new applicants for elementary schools will reach 390,000 this year. Moreover, the ongoing decline in the number of students is worsening, with the trend gaining momentum. In 2019, a total of 302,676 babies were born, and they are expected to enter elementary schools in 2026. There is a looming concern that, over time, the number of new entrants may drop to the 200,000 range, excluding those who choose to delay or avoid admission. The ministry added that in Seoul alone, 59,492 children are anticipated to enter school this year, reflecting a 10.3 percent decrease from the previous year. This downward trend is expected to persist. The significant decline in the student population is poised to bring about a profound transformation in the educational landsca pe. An increasing number of schools will face mergers and a steady contraction in the number of teachers will accordingly be seen. This will also have a far-reaching impact on rural areas now facing the growing danger of extinction. Korea has been suffering from the world's lowest fertility rate (0.72). Statistics Korea predicts a persistent decline in the number of newborns per woman, forecasting a decrease to 0.65 in 2025 and 0.59 in 2026. Such rapid shifts in the demographic structure are feared to shake the very foundations of our society. It will lead to drops in military conscription, heightening the danger of North Korea's potential invasion of South Korea. It will also affect the social welfare service system involving obstetrics and pediatric doctors and hospitals paired with nursery and senior care centers. Some analysts even foresee such a decline in population will lower the GDP growth per capita by 1.13 percentage points per year in the coming 30 years. This demonstrates that warnings from cer tain foreign media outlets, stating that "a low birthrate will be the biggest threat to Korea's security," are not an exaggeration. Given this, the Yoon administration should take extraordinary measures. In his New Year speech, the president emphasized the importance of analyzing the causes of the declining birthrate with a rational and calm approach. "We need to consider alternative approaches different from the steps taken so far," he said. The Presidential Commission on Ageing Society and Population Policy has not fulfilled its role effectively, as it has become embroiled in political maneuvering rather than focusing on its intended responsibility of formulating policies to address low fertility rates. For starters, the commission has been inactive since its vice chair, former lawmaker Na Kyung-won, stepped down amid a conflict with the presidential office in January last year. The low fertility rate is a complex problem covering various issues such as housing, employment, childcare, and education. Comp rehensive remedies are necessary to help resolve the complex problem. Previous administrations have failed to tackle the matter, despite spending around 380 trillion won ($289 billion) since 2006. Policies should be focused on feasibility to prevent the recurrence of the failures of previous governments. Specific measures should be taken to cure chronic problems such as expenses for housing and education, among others. (END) Source: Yonhap News Agency
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