Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the declining marriage and rising divorce rates in South Korea, attributing these trends to economic pressures and cultural expectations, particularly the conflict between rapid modernization and traditional Confucian values [3][11][24]. Group 1: Marriage Statistics - In 2024, the number of marriage registrations in South Korea reached 6.106 million, marking the lowest level since 1978 [3]. - The divorce rate is also increasing, with approximately 2.62 million couples divorcing, and around 3 million if including those who divorce through legal proceedings [5][11]. Group 2: Economic and Social Pressures - The high cost of living, particularly housing, is a significant barrier to marriage, with the average cost for newlyweds estimated at 2 million RMB, and housing prices in Seoul averaging 12.7 billion KRW (approximately 700,000 RMB), which is 18 times the average annual income [13]. - The burden of child-rearing and education is substantial, with 70% of educational expenses coming from family spending, and the total cost of raising a child to university graduation estimated at 3.78 million RMB [14]. - The traditional belief of "raising children to support parents" adds pressure, with only 15% of families accepting independent elder care, leading to an average of 42 hours per week spent caring for elderly parents [17]. Group 3: Cultural Context - The article highlights the conflict between modern values and Confucian expectations, where young people feel immense pressure to conform to traditional family roles while lacking government support [9][10]. - The government's long-standing low-cost governance strategy has contributed to the current low marriage and birth rates, as responsibilities are shifted from the state to families [19]. Group 4: Government Response - In response to the declining birth rate, the South Korean government has initiated significant incentive policies, including marriage subsidies of 1 million KRW and pregnancy allowances of 2 million KRW, aiming to redistribute responsibilities [23]. - Despite a slight increase in the total fertility rate from 0.72 to 0.75 in 2024, the overall situation remains critical, with a need to raise the rate above 1.3 within 20 years to avoid severe demographic decline [24].