Fact Check: "South Korea's fertility rate rose to 0.79, a slight but notable increase!"
What We Know
The claim that South Korea's fertility rate has risen to 0.79 is based on recent statistics released by Statistics Korea. According to reports, the total fertility rate indeed increased to 0.79 in April 2025, up from 0.73 in April 2024, marking a notable rise of 0.06 points (Korea JoongAng Daily, Yonhap News). This increase is attributed to a surge in marriages and various government initiatives aimed at promoting childbirth (KED Global).
However, it is crucial to contextualize this figure within the broader trend of South Korea's fertility rates, which have been consistently low. Despite the recent uptick, South Korea's fertility rate remains the lowest in the world, indicating ongoing demographic challenges (KED Global).
Analysis
While the reported increase in the fertility rate to 0.79 is accurate, it is essential to recognize that this figure is still significantly lower than the replacement level of 2.1 children per woman, which is necessary for a stable population. The increase of 0.06 points, while noteworthy in the context of South Korea's declining birth rates, does not signify a substantial recovery in fertility trends (Korea JoongAng Daily, Yonhap News).
The sources reporting this information are reputable, with the Korea JoongAng Daily and Yonhap News being established news outlets in South Korea. However, it is important to note that while the increase may be framed positively, the underlying issues contributing to low fertility—such as economic pressures, work-life balance challenges, and societal attitudes towards marriage and child-rearing—remain unresolved (KED Global).
Additionally, the claim's phrasing as a "slight but notable increase" may mislead readers into thinking that this marks a significant turning point in South Korea's demographic crisis, which is not supported by the broader trends and statistics (Korea JoongAng Daily, Yonhap News).
Conclusion
Verdict: False
The claim that South Korea's fertility rate has "risen to 0.79" is technically correct; however, it is misleading without proper context. While there has been a slight increase, the fertility rate remains critically low and continues to pose significant demographic challenges for the country. Therefore, the assertion that this increase is "notable" may give an impression of a positive trend that is not supported by the overall context of South Korea's fertility issues.
