韩国生育率超过上海了？

Core Points - The article discusses the low fertility rates in East Asia, particularly highlighting South Korea's situation, where the total fertility rate dropped to 0.72 in 2023, indicating a deep "low fertility trap" [5][7][11] - Despite the alarming figures, South Korea's fertility rate showed a slight rebound in 2024, reaching 0.75, with a 3.6% increase in newborns compared to 2023 [11][12][13] - The article compares South Korea's fertility rate with Shanghai, which recorded a total fertility rate of 0.6 in 2023, lower than South Korea's [13][14] Fertility Rate Trends - South Korea's total fertility rate has been below the replacement level of 2.1 since 2015, with a significant decline observed over the years [6][10] - The fertility rate in South Korea is significantly lower than that of other countries, with Japan and China also falling below the 1.5 threshold [8][10] - The article notes that the recent increase in fertility rates may be influenced by a rise in marriage rates and the demographic shift of more women in their 30s [36][38] Government Initiatives - The South Korean government has implemented various financial incentives to encourage childbirth, including marriage subsidies and child-rearing allowances [16][17][18] - Families can receive substantial financial support, such as 12 million KRW (approximately 62,000 RMB) in the first year for newborns, and monthly allowances for children aged 2 to 7 [18][19][22] - The government is also expanding childcare subsidies and plans to provide free education and care for children aged 3 to 5 by 2027 [23][25] Societal Factors - The article highlights that despite financial incentives, deeper societal issues such as gender inequality, high living costs, and a competitive job market continue to suppress birth rates [46][55] - The demographic structure in South Korea is concerning, with a significant decline in the youth population, which may lead to further decreases in fertility rates in the future [42][44] - The article suggests that while financial support is crucial, a more comprehensive approach addressing societal challenges is necessary to sustainably increase birth rates [54][55]