More than 100,000 babies born in S. Korea through May 2025

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More babies were born and more marriages were noted in May both extending months of consecutive rises.

Kim Do-yeon has details.

South Korea recorded an increase in births for the 11th consecutive month in May, amid a nationwide policy push and delayed marriages during the pandemic, leading to births.

According to Statistics Korea on Wednesday the number of babies born in May rose 3-point-8 percent on-year to 20-thousand-309, marking the fastest growth for that month in 14 years — but the pace of increase has started to narrow.

Looking at the year up to May, the total number of babies stands at 106-thousand-048, up 6-point-9 percent compared to the same period last year.

This is the fastest growth rate recorded since 1981, when data started being collected.

Statistics Korea is showing cautious optimism amid the country's struggle with a demographic crisis.

"The rise in marriages has played a role, along with an increase in the number of women entering their early 30s — a key childbearing age group. There's also been a gradual shift toward a more positive perception of childbirth."

In fact, for 14 straight months marriages have been going up.

May this year had 6-point-7 percent more marriages than last year.

On the other hand, there are concerns that this is only because of the low point from the COVID era and delayed marriages especially considering that the rising rate has been getting smaller.

"So while the number of births is rising, what's important to note is that this doesn't necessarily signal a rebound in the fertility rate. It's not driven by structural or fundamental changes — and that's reflected in the fact that the year-on-year growth is gradually slowing."

The fertility rate right now stands at point-75, meaning the population is still shrinking.

Some experts do believe the rate will go up with this trend, but a more long-term plan is necessary to bring the rate up to a healthy level with policies to push marriages and births through financial support having limited impact.

Kim Do-yeon, Arirang News.