S. Korea’s youth population expected to halve in 30 years

The youth population in South Korea, aged 19-34, is expected to decline significantly over the next 30 years due to factors such as an aging population and a record-low birthrate. In 2020, this demographic comprised 20.4% of the total population at 10,213,000 individuals. However, projections suggest a decline to 5,213,000 by 2050, marking a steady decrease from 1990. The percentage of youth in the overall population is anticipated to drop to 11.0% by 2050. The total fertility rate hit a new low of 0.78 in 2022. Additionally, the percentage of unmarried young people rose to 81.5% in 2020 from 75.0% five years earlier. Economically active young women increased from 42.3% in 2000 to 61.1% in 2020, while economically active young men showed a decline from 66.0% in 2000 to 63.9% in 2020. These demographic trends pose challenges for South Korea’s future population structure and workforce dynamics.

Source – CGTN