ISTANBUL

The number of child births in South Korea increased last year for the first time in nine years, marking a rare reversal for a country struggling with one of the lowest fertility rates in the world.

According to data released by Interior Ministry on Friday, a total of 242,334 babies were born last year, 3.1% more than that in 2023, the Seoul-based Yonhap news agency reported.

The total registered population was 51.2 million last year and has been declining for five consecutive years since 2020.

South Korea is facing low birth rates and an aging population, as South Korean couples avoid starting families for several reasons, including the high cost of housing, education, and long work hours.

Last month, the country also formally joined the ranks of “super-aged” nations, as 20% of its population has surpassed the age of 65, with women topping the list.

According to the ministry data, 10.24 million people were 65 or older out of the country's total population of 51.22 million.

According to the UN, any country with more than 7% of the population 65 or older is an aging society, those with over 14% an aged society, and those with more than 20% a super-aged society.