South Koreas population dips below 50M Elderly set to exceed 30% by 2034

Elderly set to exceed 30% by 2034

The population of South Korean nationals residing in the country has dropped below 50 million for the first time in six years, largely due to low birth rates.

Projections suggest that by 2042, this figure may not even reach 47 million.

According to data released by Statistics Korea on April 11, the population of South Korean nationals decreased from 50,021,000 in 2022 to 49,847,000 in 2023. After surpassing the 50 million mark in 2018 with a population of 50,024,000, the figure had remained in the 50 million range for five years before dropping to the 40 million range last year.

  • SlopppyEngineer@lemmy.worldEnglish
    53·
    8 months ago

    On the other hand, because they’re so big they could push changes through the government that would normally take a long time in normal political process. Of course, first they must realize there is a problem and admit to themselves fundamental changes are needed that go against traditions.

    • SeaJ@lemm.eeEnglish
      17·
      8 months ago

      Those changes they push through are not likely to be good for workers and the general public. They push them through because they help their own profit. Them being able to do that fast is actually a negative.

    • xmunkEnglish
      12·
      8 months ago

      This is the classic pro/con argument about authoritarianism. Dictators suck but they’re extremely effective. Democracies move slower but embrace the desires of their citizens [1].

      Are the Chebols desires aligned with the needs of the citizens? Well, they effectively run the country now and it’s fucking dystopic so I feel confident saying we should get them out.

      1. Ideally, America is a great example of that going awry because (and I hope you don’t think this is too No True Scotsman-y) it isn’t effectively a democracy.
      • DanquebecEnglish
        6·
        8 months ago

        Dictators are generally terribly ineffective. Read the Dictator’s Handbook.

      • SlopppyEngineer@lemmy.worldEnglish
        3·
        8 months ago

        I know it’s pretty close to asking the scorpion to save the frog but they’re halfway down the river by now and we’ll see very soon what their nature is.

        In any case, it’ll be a nice model for USA and EU of what their future will look like.