Seoul: South Korea has formally entered the ranks of "super-aged" societies as the proportion of its population aged 65 and older surpassed 20 percent. This milestone, announced by the Interior Ministry on Tuesday, highlights the country's ongoing demographic challenges of an ageing population coupled with persistently low birth rates.
According to the ministry, as of Monday, there were 10.24 million South Koreans aged 65 or older, representing exactly 20 percent of the nation’s total population of 51.22 million. This demographic shift was reported by Yonhap News Agency, according to IANS.
The United Nations categorizes countries with more than 7 percent of their population aged 65 or older as "ageing societies," those with over 14 percent as "aged societies," and those exceeding 20 percent as "super-aged societies." South Korea’s transition into the super-aged category underscores the rapid growth of its elderly population.
The number of people aged 65 and older in South Korea has steadily increased over the years. In 2008, the figure stood at 4.94 million, accounting for 10 percent of the population. By 2019, it had surpassed 15 percent, and earlier this year in January, it reached 19.05 percent. As per IANS, the latest data cements South Korea’s place among the world's most rapidly ageing nations.
Among the elderly population, women outnumber men significantly. As of Monday, 5.69 million women were in the 65-and-older age group, compared to 4.54 million men. Regionally, South Jeolla Province recorded the highest share of elderly residents, with 27.18 percent of its population aged 65 or older. In contrast, the central city of Sejong had the lowest share, at 11.57 percent. Seoul, the capital, reported that 19.41 percent of its population belongs to this age group.
The demographic shift has prompted calls for urgent action. “By installing a population-focused ministry, fundamental and systematic response measures are urgently needed,” a ministry official stated in a press release, as per IANS.
To address this crisis, South Korea has announced plans to establish a new Ministry of Population Strategy. This initiative aims to tackle the challenges posed by the ageing population and declining birth rates through comprehensive policy interventions.
South Korea's demographic challenges underline the need for swift and innovative solutions to sustain its economy and society in the face of a super-aged population.