South Korea is running out of people.
Its birth rate is the lowest in the world, sitting at just 0.72. That is 73 percent below the replacement rate. By 2070, South Korea’s population is expected to fall from 51.6 million to just 34 million. That is a loss of over 17 million people in less than 50 years.
But the raw numbers don’t tell the full story.
Because what is collapsing isn't just population, it's society.
In this video, we explain why Korea is facing the most extreme demographic decline of any developed country. We break down the cultural, economic, and policy failures that have made it nearly impossible for young Koreans to build stable lives or raise families.
South Korea’s toxic work culture, built on Confucian values and decades of military-influenced industrial policy, created a system where long hours and loyalty to employers are valued more than individual well-being. Wages are below the OECD average. Education pressure is relentless. And Korea’s biggest companies, the chaebols, employ only a fraction of the population but dominate the economy.
Housing is also a major issue. In Seoul, most young people face the Jeonse system, where renters put down deposits worth half the value of the home. Even with newer rental options, deposits remain high and monthly rent eats up income. Those lucky enough to save money still have to pay hundreds or thousands per month in after-school academies called hagwons, just to keep their kids competitive.
Culturally, things are not much better. Korea is seeing a rise in no-kids zones across the country. Women face extreme expectations around beauty, caregiving, and obedience. In dual-income households, they still do most of the chores. And in a society where 72 percent of people think a man who stays home with children is less of a man, it is no surprise that many women are opting out entirely.
Some are going on birth strike. Others are joining the 4B movement, which rejects marriage, childbearing, dating, and even heterosexual relationships.
The government has tried to reverse the trend through incentives, parental leave, and subsidies, but it is not enough. Once fertility drops this low, recovery is nearly impossible. With half the population expected to be over 65 by 2070, Korea’s future is looking grim.
What happens to a country that forgets how to build a future?