[Alpha Biz= Paul Lee] Seoul, August 27, 2025 — South Korea saw its fastest increase in monthly births since records began in 1981, while marriages rose to the highest level in 15 years, signaling a potential rebound in demographic trends.



According to data released by Statistics Korea on August 27, the number of babies born in June 2025 was 19,953, up 1,709 (9.4%) from the same month last year (18,244). This marked the largest June increase since 2010 and the strongest year-on-year growth rate in the history of the statistics. Births have now risen for 12 consecutive months since July 2024.



Births among women in their 30s were especially notable. Fertility rates rose in nearly all age groups except those in their early 20s, with the sharpest increases seen among women in their early and late 30s. The total fertility rate — the average number of children a woman is expected to have over her lifetime — rose to 0.76, up from 0.70 a year earlier.



For the second quarter (April–June), births totaled 60,979, an increase of 4,157 (7.3%) compared to the same period last year, the largest quarterly increase in 14 years and the highest growth rate on record. Statistics Korea attributed the trend to an increase in marriages, growth in the population of women in their 30s, and a more positive perception of childbirth.



Marriages also surged in June. The number of marriages reached 18,487, up 1,539 (9.1%) from a year earlier — the highest level since 2018 and the fastest growth since 2010. Monthly marriages have now risen year-on-year for 15 consecutive months. In the second quarter, marriages increased 5.8% year-on-year to 59,169, marking six straight quarters of growth. For the first half of 2025, marriages totaled 117,873, the highest since 2019. Local government incentives, such as Daejeon City’s KRW 5 million cash grant for newlyweds, are believed to have contributed.



Despite rising births and marriages, natural population decline persisted. The number of deaths in June was 27,270, up 1.5% year-on-year, resulting in a natural decrease of 7,317 people.



Another notable shift was the rise in out-of-wedlock births, which reached a record 5.8% of total births. Social surveys show growing acceptance of having children outside marriage. Meanwhile, the share of fathers in their early 20s fell to an all-time low, while the proportion aged 50 and older hit a record high — reflecting a broader trend toward later marriage and childbirth.

 

 

 

[ⓒ 알파경제. 무단전재-재배포 금지]