By John Q. Hosedrinker 
South Korea officially entered “super-aged” society status on Monday, with 20 percent of its 51.22 million population now aged 65 or older—a total of 10.24 million people. This milestone follows a steady increase in the elderly population, exceeding 10 percent in 2008 and 15 percent in 2019. The nation’s demographic crisis, marked by low birth rates and rapid aging, has prompted the government to establish a new population strategy ministry to address the issue. Regional disparities exist, with Jeolla Province showing the highest proportion of elderly residents at 27.18 percent.
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South Korea’s recent designation as a “super-aged” society is a stark reminder of a demographic shift with profound implications. The sheer number of adults requiring diapers now surpasses that of infants—a symbol that speaks volumes about the declining birthrate and the rapidly aging population. Some even describe this as a form of societal collapse, a grim prediction driven by a complex interplay of cultural and economic factors.
The current situation didn’t emerge overnight. Decades of societal pressures, including an intensely competitive work culture and an emphasis on material success, have discouraged many young Koreans from starting families. The relentless pressure to secure employment at large corporations like Samsung, often leading to extreme stress and even suicide, has created a climate where prioritizing personal well-being and family life is difficult, if not impossible. This isn’t a judgment of Korean culture, but an observation of a system that unintentionally discourages reproduction.
The parallels between this demographic crisis and the climate change crisis are striking. In both cases, we’ve had ample warning, understood the root causes for years, yet failed to implement effective solutions. The common thread? The pursuit of profit by powerful corporations and wealthy individuals, who prioritize short-term gains over long-term societal well-being. Politicians struggle to find answers, caught in a web of complex economic and social issues.
This isn’t simply about numbers; it’s about a fundamental imbalance of power and resources. The older generation, having benefited greatly from South Korea’s economic rise, now holds a disproportionate amount of power and wealth, leaving future generations to shoulder the burden of an aging population without adequate preparation. The resentment amongst younger generations is palpable, particularly with the plummeting value of the Won driving away many young foreign residents.
This demographic imbalance will strain the economy significantly. Fewer taxpayers will be tasked with supporting a growing number of retirees, leading to potential financial instability and reduced social services. The current situation seems to be the inevitable outcome of highly industrialized and bureaucratic societies, with Korea perhaps reaching this point sooner due to its strong Confucian traditions.
The implications for younger generations are daunting. They face the prospect of shouldering the financial weight of caring for a vast elderly population, a challenge amplified by increasingly longer lifespans due to advancements in medicine and increased wealth amongst the older generation. The weight of these responsibilities could have a profound impact on the lifestyles and choices of Gen Alpha and subsequent generations. The pressure to succeed, coupled with the weight of supporting the older generations, could perpetuate this difficult cycle.
There’s a widespread feeling that the system needs to change. Many believe that addressing the issue requires a fundamental shift in priorities—a move away from prioritizing the extreme accumulation of wealth at the top 0.1% and towards a society that values work-life balance, human well-being, and family life. Suggestions range from implementing wealth taxes on retirees to reforming voting and political structures to ensure representation across all age groups. Some even propose drastic measures such as age limits on voting and holding public office to break the cycle of older generations holding onto power.
The conversation extends beyond South Korea’s borders. Japan faces similar challenges, and China’s one-child policy has created its own demographic time bomb. These issues highlight the global need to reconsider our relationship with economic growth, resource management, and population distribution. It’s not just about supporting a growing elderly population; it’s about creating a sustainable future for all generations. The situation in South Korea serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the potential consequences of neglecting long-term societal well-being in the pursuit of short-term economic gains. The future requires a more holistic and sustainable approach to economic growth, social welfare and cultural values. The question remains whether adjustments can be made before the situation becomes truly irreversible.