South Korea’s military has shrunk by 20% in six years as the male population drops, and it’s a significant shift with far-reaching implications. The defense forces have been steadily declining since the early 2000s, and this trend has been accelerating in recent years. The primary driver is the shrinking pool of young men eligible for conscription, a consequence of the country’s plummeting birth rate.
Between 2019 and 2025, the population of 20-year-old males, the prime age for military service, has taken a dramatic dip. Government data reveals a staggering 30% decline in this age group. This stark demographic reality is forcing the military to adapt, especially as the mandatory service period has been reduced to 18 months.… Continue reading
In 2024, Japan experienced a record decline in its national population, exceeding 900,000, due to persistently low birth rates. This marks the largest drop since 1968, with the number of newborns falling below 700,000 for the first time, further exacerbating the aging population. While the overall population decline was 0.44%, the number of foreign residents reached a record high, although some anti-immigrant sentiment exists. The shrinking population is also evident in rural areas, contributing to a rise in abandoned homes.
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To combat Japan’s declining birthrate, the health ministry plans to eliminate out-of-pocket costs for normal childbirth, potentially starting April 2024. This involves bringing normal deliveries under national health insurance, currently covering only Cesarean sections. While a 500,000 yen government subsidy exists, actual costs often exceed this, varying widely across prefectures. Full coverage aims to standardize costs nationwide, though concerns remain regarding potential financial hardship for medical institutions.
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I can’t help but feel a sense of frustration and despair when I think about the recent declaration of a ‘demographic national emergency’ in South Korea. The fact that the total fertility rate has been declining steadily, dropping below 2.1 in 1983 and hitting 1.5 in 1998, is alarming. This demographic collapse, if left unaddressed, could have serious repercussions for the country’s future.
It’s disheartening to see that despite spending a significant amount of money, amounting to 200 billion dollars since 2006, South Korea has not been able to effectively tackle this issue. The root causes of the declining birth rates lie in the working conditions that are prevalent in the country.… Continue reading
The US fertility rate has dropped to the lowest level in a century, with births dipping in 2023. As someone living in this era of high costs and scarce resources, it’s not surprising to see these trends. Everything from groceries to housing to insurance has become exorbitantly expensive, making it nearly impossible for many to afford to start a family. Daycares are not only hard to find, but when you do find one, they come with a hefty price tag. How can anyone afford to have children when the basic necessities of life are already beyond reach?
The idea of starting a family becomes even more daunting when faced with the lack of maternity leave, inadequate healthcare, and the rising cost of living.… Continue reading
Matt Underwood 
John Q. Hosedrinker