South Korea’s birth rate just bounced back with the biggest jump in decades.
Statistics Korea reports nearly 20,000 babies born in June 2025. That’s over 1,700 more than June 2024 — a 9.4% spike.
This marks the twelfth straight month of year-on-year growth and the sharpest rise since 1981.
Women in their 30s led the trend, now making up the largest share of new moms. Nearly every other age group also saw an increase.
The total fertility rate climbed to 0.76 — a small but meaningful rise given the country’s historic lows.
Between April and June, over 60,000 babies were born nationwide, up more than 4,000 from last year. This is the biggest quarterly jump in 14 years. Officials credit the rise to more marriages, more women in their 30s, and changing attitudes about families.
Netizens are reacting positively online.
> “That’s good news.”
> “Glad to hear it.”
> “Isn’t it because people born in the ’90s make up the largest share of the population? Everyone around me is getting ready for marriage and kids now too, lol.”
> “Please keep having more kids.”
> “Let’s go, Korea!”
South Korea is watching this trend closely after years of decline. This latest data signals a shift that many are hopeful will continue.
