North Korea Struggles with Low Birth Rate
Promoting Large Families as a Tool for Propaganda
The birth of the first set of quintuplets in North Korea has become a hot topic. As it is known that North Korea is also struggling to address its low birth rate, the country appears to be making efforts to encourage childbirth by promoting families with multiple children.
News has been reported of the birth of the first set of quintuplets in North Korea. Yonhap News Agency
On July 10, Yonhap News Agency reported that the organ of the General Association of Korean Residents in Japan, Choson Sinbo, had published an update on the quintuplets who were discharged from Pyongyang Maternity Hospital last month. The media outlet stated, "News of the birth of the first set of quintuplets in North Korea is still a major topic of conversation among the people."
The quintuplets were born on January 31 and reportedly consist of three girls and two boys. The media outlet noted, "The survival and recovery of quintuplets and their mother is a difficult issue worldwide," and added, "Since this is the first time quintuplets have been born in the country, the medical team at Pyongyang Maternity Hospital had to overcome significant challenges." The five children currently weigh around 5 kilograms each and are reported to be in good health.
The parents of the children are identified as Park Kyungshim (28), who lives in Janghyeon-dong, Moranbong District, and Son Chunghyo (32), a student at Pyongyang Commercial Service College. They named the five children Son Chungjeong, Son Seongryong, Son Dajeong, Son Haryong, and Son Rijung. When the middle characters of their names are combined, they form the phrase "Chungseongdahari," which means "to devote all loyalty." This reflects North Korean society, as even the children's names express loyalty to the supreme leader.
News has been reported of the birth of the first set of quintuplets in North Korea. Yonhap News Agency
It is reported that North Korea, like South Korea, is struggling to address its low birth rate. According to the National Statistical Portal, North Korea's total fertility rate in 2025 is estimated to be 1.59. While this is higher than South Korea's 0.65, it has been analyzed that the birth rate needed to maintain the population (2.1) has been falling short since the 1990s.
In this context, North Korea appears to be actively promoting cases of 'large families' and implementing policies to encourage childbirth. Previously, the July issue of North Korea's external propaganda monthly magazine "Kumsugangsan" featured an interview with Yang Songil, director of the Population Research Institute of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. He emphasized, "We are identifying and recommending population structure measures to relevant institutions to ensure sustainable development in response to population aging."
North Korea also appears to be implementing welfare policies to increase its birth rate. According to the interview, special subsidies are provided to households with three or more children. The government also announced plans to continue expanding preferential measures for large families in various sectors, including commerce, convenience services, education, and healthcare.
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