South Korea has seen a further decrease in its population in June due to a record low fertility rate, according to data released on Wednesday. Statistics Korea reported that 18,615 babies were born in June, a 1.6 percent decrease from the same period the year prior. This marks the 91st consecutive month of on-year decline in births. In contrast, the number of deaths rose 7.6 percent to 26,820, resulting in a natural population decrease of 8,205.
The trend of deaths surpassing births has been ongoing for 44 straight months, with the total fertility rate for the second quarter of 2023 reaching a record low of 0.7. This is significantly lower than the replacement level of 2.1 that would keep South Korea’s population stable at 51 million.
The number of marriages rose 7.8 percent to 16,053, likely due to couples who had delayed their weddings during the COVID-19 pandemic. Divorces also increased 2.7 percent to 7,791 cases.
In the second quarter, 56,087 babies were born, a 6.8 percent decrease from the same period in the previous year. The number of deaths was 83,359, a 7.9 percent decrease, leading to a net natural decrease of 27,272.
A mother walks with her children at an exhibition held in Daegu, 237 kilometers south of Seoul, on Aug. 17, 2023. (Yonhap)