South Korea is facing "extinction" and needs to embrace immigration to stave off its "demographic catastrophe", the country's justice minister has warned.
"When it comes to immigration policies, we have passed the stage of deliberating whether to implement them or not. Because if we don't, we cannot escape the fate of extinction due to the demographic catastrophe," Han Dong-hoon, told a parliamentary meeting in Seoul, reported the Korea Times.
Deaths have surpassed births for more than three years in South Korea amid a steady decline in the country's total fertility rate, the average number of children a woman bears in her lifetime.
The rate hit another record low of 0.7 in the second quarter of 2023 -- much lower than the replacement level of 2.1 that would keep its population stable at 51 million -- stoking further alarm about the social and economic impact of such a rapidly ageing population.
Experts have warned in particular about the consequences of an older and smaller population for the job market, healthcare system and military.
The crisis has made international headlines, with one New York Times opinion piece pointing out that if the current birth rate remained it would lead to a depopulation exceeding what the Black Death delivered to Europe in the 14th century.
Immigration has been touted as one solution to help tackle the shrinking population, but it remains a politically sensitive issue.
Mr Han told a meeting of the ruling People Power Party this week that the country did not have the luxury of delaying crucial decisions like the establishing of a new government agency overseeing immigration policies.
"The immigration policy I plan to push ahead is not aimed at bringing in as many foreigners as possible," Mr Han said. "We aim to make thorough assessments and accept only necessary foreign nationals ... while strengthening the crackdown on illegal residents."
He said the new organisation would mirror similar bodies in Japan and Germany, functioning like a "control tower" to oversee ministries related to immigration.
He also stressed the need to improve existing systems related to refugees and voting rights of foreigners in local elections.
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Why is nobody even trying to encourage increased birthrates??? People don't have kids because they're an inconvenience, make not having kids a bigger inconvenience and you win.
Tie pension to children birthed (or adopted for those who've been properly diagnosed with infertility) with a minimum of 2 per household to qualify, add taxes for being 28+ without children, run propaganda campaigns telling women being a mother is actually good; it worked convincing them putting things in your butt on camera for money, it should be easy to encourage the most basic biological desires. Literally do anything I'll be grateful.
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The biggest factor that contributed to reduced birth rate is abortions and birth control. Ban both of those and you should be good
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Paying parents isn't mean to deter shit parents (they will always exist). Rather, it's positive reinforcement for the numerous couples who are more than ready but consistently cite having no money.
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shut up nerd. you dont know what will be
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I actually do. For example, in the future my peepee will be pleasured by your mouth.
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yeah sure but shithead kids exist today where birth control and abortion are ubiquitous. I just get the sense that reality will set in with some of these mothers once they're pregnant and there's no way out. Also they might consider their partners more carefully and be more likely to have a stable relationship knowing that they can't just whooore themselves around with no repercussion. Probably the transition stage will feature what you describe but eventually we'll land in a good spot.
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No thanks. I don't want 7 million more Shaniquas and ta'avaron.
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Yes, believe it or not, increasing the birthrate of group that costs billions a year with nothing to give in return is bad.
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This dude so fricking r-slurred lol
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Then what's your suggestion?
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