Today’s theme: Birthrate

The number of newborns here in Korea is dropping rapidly in recent years. Also, the total fertility rate, or the number of babies that a woman is projected to have during her lifetime, fell to 1.05 last year from 1.17, also marking a record low. Coupled with a rapidly aging population, a low birthrate can reduce the available workforce in and drive up welfare costs, undermining the growth potential of the economy. We look into the reasons behind the decreasing birthrate as well as solutions with expert guests.

The Conversationalist

with

Professor Lee Bong-joo

- from the Department of Social Welfare at Seoul National University

- a former civil member at the presidential committee of ageing society and population policy

“The government spent 80 trillion won ($74.5 billion) in past 10 years on population policy. Why do you think past policies haven’t worked well enough?

Countries like Germany and Japan are looking to sustain population by accepting immigrants. Is this an option that’s being considered by the Korean government?”

&

Francesco Billari

- Professor of Demography and Dean of the Faculty at Bocconi University in Milan

You draw comparison in an interview with the Straits Times between Northern and Southern Italy where birthrate reversed over time. Can you tell us about this interesting example?

You also discussed a Chinese example, how the country abolished one-child policy to reverse a demographic slide but hasn’t seen notable results. Are there any reasons behind it that’s specific to China?

Media Monster

Roujin Z (노인 Z)

Next week: Gapjil (갑질)