Fact Check: South Korea's births surged 8.7% in April, the fastest rise in 34 years!

Fact Check: "South Korea's births surged 8.7% in April, the fastest rise in 34 years!"

What We Know

In April 2025, South Korea experienced a notable increase in births, with a total of 20,717 babies born, marking an 8.7% rise compared to 19,059 births in April 2024. This surge represents the fastest year-on-year growth in births since April 1991, when the increase was also 8.7% (Yonhap). The rise in births has been attributed to several factors, including an increase in marriages, demographic changes, and government policies aimed at promoting childbirth. Specifically, the number of marriages in April rose by 4.9% year-on-year, totaling 18,921 marriages, which is the 13th consecutive month of growth in this area (Yonhap).

Additionally, the total fertility rate in South Korea increased slightly to 0.79, up by 0.06 from the previous year (Yonhap). This uptick in births is significant in the context of South Korea's long-standing challenges with low birth rates, which have been influenced by economic pressures and changing social norms (Yonhap).

Analysis

The claim that South Korea's births surged by 8.7% in April, marking the fastest rise in 34 years, is supported by multiple reliable sources. The data from Statistics Korea, as reported by Yonhap News Agency, confirms the figures and provides context regarding the demographic trends influencing this increase (Yonhap, 3). The consistency of the reported statistics across various reputable outlets, including Chosun Ilbo and Business Korea, enhances the credibility of this information (1, 7).

Moreover, the analysis of contributing factors, such as the rise in marriages and government incentives, aligns with broader demographic studies that highlight the relationship between marriage rates and birth rates in South Korea. The rarity of childbirth outside of marriage in South Korea further underscores this connection (Yonhap).

While the overall birth rates remain low compared to historical standards, the April 2025 data indicates a significant shift, suggesting that recent government policies and societal changes may be having a positive impact (3, 5).

Conclusion

The claim that "South Korea's births surged 8.7% in April, the fastest rise in 34 years" is True. The data from Statistics Korea, corroborated by multiple reputable news sources, confirms the accuracy of this statement. The increase in births is a notable development in the context of South Korea's ongoing demographic challenges and reflects a potential turning point in the nation's birth trends.

Fact Check: South Korea's births surged 8.7% in April, the fastest rise in 34 years!