The latest statistical data from South Korea confirms a reversal of the negative demographic trend. In 2025, 254,500 births were recorded, marking the strongest increase in 15 years. The fertility rate, while still the lowest in the world, rose to 0.80 for the second consecutive year. Experts attribute this success to the second baby boom generation entering reproductive age and government support programs for young couples.
Breaking the Downward Trend
The number of births is increasing for the second consecutive year, representing the strongest positive trend in 15 years in the history of Korean demographic statistics.
Reproductive Age of the Boom Generation
The main cause of the increase is the entry into the period of highest fertility by approximately 3.6 million people born between 1991 and 1995.
Increase in Fertility Rate
The TFR coefficient rose to 0.80 compared to 0.72 recorded two years earlier, which is considered a clear signal of stabilization.
Data from the South Korean statistical office for 2025 has sparked a wave of optimism among demographers and policymakers. The number of births increased by 6.8% year-on-year, reaching 254,500 children. This is the second consecutive year of growth following the historic low recorded several years ago. The fertility rate moved from 0.75 last year to 0.80 currently. Although this value remains drastically low and far from the level guaranteeing generational replacement, the pace of improvement is the most dynamic in a decade and a half. South Korea has been grappling with a sharp decline in births since the late 1990s. Since 2018, the country has been the only OECD member recording fertility below 1.0, raising concerns about the future of its labor market and social security system. Analysis of the demographic structure indicates that the main driver of the current rebound is the large generation of so-called echo boomers born in the first half of the 1990s. Over 3.6 million people around the age of 30 have begun starting families en masse, making up for delays caused, among other factors, by the pandemic. Actions by the government in Seoul, including increased benefits and preferential mortgage loans for newlyweds, are also believed to have contributed to stimulating decisions about parenthood. Nevertheless, experts remain cautious, highlighting fundamental barriers such as corporate pressure and the costs of raising children. „South Korea's baby bump extends into second year, offering hope that the world's worst demographic crisis may be starting to ease.” — Bloomberg Business 254 500 — children were born in South Korea in 2025. Fertility Rate Trend in South Korea: 2023: 0.72, 2024: 0.75, 2025: 0.80