South Korea’s birthrate rises for second year with experts saying ‘echo boomers’ behind boost

The Guardian World

by Raphael Rashid in Seoul

February 25, 2026

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South Korea’s birthrate has seen a notable rise for the second consecutive year, marking a significant shift in its long-standing demographic challenges. The increase is attributed to a phenomenon known as "echo boomers," a generation of 3.6 million people born between 1991 and 1995 who are now in their early thirties and contributing to a surge in births. In 2025, the country recorded 254,500 births—the highest annual figure in 15 years—driven by this demographic wave and recovering marriage rates following delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The fertility rate, which measures the average number of children a woman is expected to have, rose from 0.75 in 2023 to 0.80 in 2024. This marks the first time since 2021 that South Korea’s fertility rate has reached 0.80, signaling a potential turning point for its aging population. Experts attribute this rebound to the echo boomers entering their childbearing years and societal factors such as delayed marriages resuming post-pandemic. South Korea has grappled with one of the lowest birthrates globally, which has posed significant challenges for its economy and social policies. The rise in births, though modest, offers hope for addressing the nation’s demographic crisis. However, experts caution that this rebound is temporary, as it primarily reflects a larger generational cohort having children rather than a sustained cultural or structural change in fertility rates. This development holds broader implications for global demographics, particularly for countries facing similar challenges with aging populations and low birthrates. South Korea’s experience highlights the role of demographic cohorts and external factors like pandemics in shaping reproductive trends. While the current rebound may provide some relief, long-term solutions will require addressing deeper societal and economic barriers

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Originally published on The Guardian World on 2/25/2026