South Korea Sets Record for Lowest Youth Population in the World, Falling Below Japan... Facing the Risk of Disappearance

South Korea Ranks Lowest Among 37 Countries Last Year
Japan Records Second Lowest Rate Among Major Nations at 11.4%

Among countries with a population of over 40 million, South Korea has the lowest proportion of children (aged 0 to 14), even lower than Japan, making it the lowest in the world.

According to data compiled by Japan's Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications on May 5, based on the United Nations World Population Prospects (mid-year population), South Korea's proportion of youth under the age of 14 last year was 10.6%. This is the lowest among the 37 countries worldwide with populations exceeding 40 million.

Japan, which experienced low birth rates and an aging population before South Korea, recorded 11.4% last year. Since 2020, South Korea's youth population ratio has fallen below that of Japan, becoming the lowest among major countries worldwide.

Italy (11.9%), Spain (12.9%), Germany (13.9%), Thailand (14.7%), China (16.0%), France (16.5%), the United Kingdom (17.2%), and the United States (17.3%) followed.

The proportion of youth in South Korea is expected to decline even further. According to the National Statistical Portal (KOSIS), as of February this year, the youth population based on resident registration statistics was 5,428,000, accounting for 10.6% of the total population. This figure is projected to drop to 9.7% next year.