Fact Check: Deaths in South Korea outnumber births since late 2019, causing population decline!

Fact Check: "Deaths in South Korea outnumber births since late 2019, causing population decline!"

What We Know

The claim that deaths in South Korea have outnumbered births since late 2019 is supported by multiple sources. According to a report from the Hankyoreh, South Korea has experienced a natural population decline since November 2019, with deaths consistently exceeding births for over 52 months as of February 2024. This trend is attributed to a long-standing low birth rate, which has been a significant issue for the country. In 2020, the number of births was surpassed by deaths, marking a critical point in South Korea's demographic changes (PMC).

The total fertility rate (TFR) in South Korea has been alarmingly low, dropping to 0.92 in 2019, which is the lowest in the world (Wikipedia). The decline in births has been linked to various socio-economic factors, including high living costs, job insecurity, and changing societal values regarding marriage and parenthood (PMC, Wikipedia).

Analysis

The evidence supporting the claim is robust, with multiple reputable sources confirming the trend of declining births relative to deaths in South Korea. The Hankyoreh provides a clear timeline, indicating that this demographic shift began in late 2019 and has continued unabated. The PMC article elaborates on the implications of this trend, noting that it has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has led to further delays in marriage and childbirth among younger generations.

The reliability of these sources is high. The Hankyoreh is a well-established South Korean newspaper known for its investigative journalism, while the PMC article is a peer-reviewed publication that discusses demographic trends in detail. Both sources provide a comprehensive overview of the factors contributing to the population decline, including economic pressures and cultural shifts.

However, it is important to note that while the trend of more deaths than births is clear, the long-term implications for South Korea's population dynamics are still being studied. Some reports suggest that there may be fluctuations in birth rates as economic conditions improve or as government policies aimed at encouraging childbirth take effect (Wikipedia).

Conclusion

Verdict: True
The claim that deaths in South Korea have outnumbered births since late 2019 is accurate. The evidence from multiple reliable sources confirms that this demographic trend has been ongoing for over three years, leading to a natural population decline. The combination of low birth rates and higher mortality rates, exacerbated by socio-economic factors, supports the conclusion that South Korea is indeed facing a significant population challenge.

Fact Check: Deaths in South Korea outnumber births since late 2019, causing population decline!