Why South Korean Women Aren`t Having Babies

South Korea holds the world's lowest birth rate, which continues to decline each year, reaching 0.72 in 2023. This figure is alarmingly below the 2.1 threshold needed for population stability. The trend poses significant threats to the country's future, prompting politicians to declare it a "national emergency." Despite spending vast amounts on incentives to encourage childbirth, these efforts have largely failed, as many women opt out of motherhood. The reasons are multifaceted, ranging from long working hours and gender inequality in both domestic responsibilities and workplace opportunities, to the high cost of living, especially in Seoul. Women like Yejin, a 30-year-old television producer, are choosing careers over children, citing the difficulty of finding supportive partners and the fear of losing their jobs if they have children. Many women fear the overwhelming societal pressures and the financial burden of raising children, particularly with the prevalent culture of expensive private education.

For some, like 32-year-old Minji, the decision not to have children stems from a desire to avoid subjecting them to the same intense and competitive lifestyle they endured growing up. Others, like 39-year-old Stella, acknowledge the societal expectation for mothers to step back from their careers for years, a sacrifice they are unwilling to make. This situation reflects a broader social phenomenon where women feel compelled to choose between career fulfillment and motherhood, with many choosing the former.

As the birth rate continues to drop, the South Korean government faces the challenge of addressing these deeply rooted issues in society. The story of Yejin, who plans to move to New Zealand in search of better gender equality, and others like her, illustrates the personal and societal dilemmas that contribute to South Korea's demographic crisis. Despite the grave concerns, some women remain hopeful that societal changes, such as the legalization of same-sex marriage, could eventually allow them to consider motherhood under different circumstances. Image Credit: Getty