A report has analyzed that Korea, with a population of 50 million, could drop to just 7.53 million, or 15%, in 100 years. There are also concerns that the population requiring support will exceed the population that can provide support.
The Korea Future Population Institute announced on the 2nd that it has published the '2025 Population Report: A Major Demographic Shift in the Republic of Korea.'
According to researchers, if the current low birth rate and aging trends continue, Korea's population could decrease to at least 7.53 million by 2125. This is only 15% of the current population of 51.68 million.
In particular, the decline in population is expected to accelerate. Under the median scenario, the population is projected to decrease by about 30% by 2075, but after that, it will sharply decline by more than half by 2125.
The researchers said, “As fewer children are born, the number of people who will have children in the next generation decreases, leading to a faster decline,” adding, “As a result, the population pyramid, which was shaped like a manta ray in 2075, will take on a drastically reduced form resembling a cobra by 2125.”
Along with the population decline, the aging phenomenon is likely to intensify. The researchers explained that by 2100, 100 working-age individuals (ages 15 to 64) may have to support 140 older adults (ages 65 and over).
The researchers proposed key policy directions including ▲dramatically expanding support to reduce the burden of childbirth and childcare ▲effectively establishing a work-life balance culture ▲extending the retirement age and expanding ongoing employment systems in response to an aging society ▲revising immigration policies.
Lee In-sil, head of the Korea Future Population Institute, noted, “In 2025, the Republic of Korea stands at a critical demographic turning point, and at this moment when the new government is establishing its national policy, a fundamental paradigm shift regarding population issues is necessary,” adding, “The choices we make now will determine the future of Korea in 100 years, so there is still an opportunity.”