Korean Media: South Korea Sees 18% Increase in April Births — "All-Time High"

¬ Total fertility rate at 0.93, up by 0.13; marriage registrations reach 26,022 couples, up 9%

According to statistics, influenced by rising marriages and an increase in the number of women aged 30–39, the number of newborns in April reached the highest level ever recorded since data collection began.

On the 24th, the Korea National Statistical Office released its "April Population Trends," stating that the number of newborns in April was 24,521—up 3,734 (18.0%) compared to the same month last year. The monthly number of newborns has increased consecutively for 22 months from July 2024 to April 2026.

Based on April data, the number of newborns reached its highest level since April 2019 (26,104), marking a record high after a seven-year gap. The growth rate of newborns is also the highest since records began in 1982, surpassing the previous record set in April 2025 (9.2%). The increase in absolute numbers represents the highest rise since April 1992 (4,043), a span of 34 years.

Additionally, the number of newborns has shown continuous growth for three consecutive years starting from 2024. This marks the first time since 1989–1994, when births rose for six straight years, that such a three-year consecutive increase has occurred after a 32-year gap.

The total fertility rate for April (average number of children expected per woman over her lifetime) stood at 0.93, an increase of 0.13 compared to the previous year. According to the statistical office, the rise in births can be attributed to increased marriage registrations over the past 24 months, growth in the female population aged 30–39, positive shifts in young people’s attitudes toward childbirth, and the visible effects of certain government and local policies.

Marriage registrations, serving as a leading indicator for birth increases, are showing an upward trend. In April, there were 26,022 marriage registrations—an increase of 1,703 (9.0%) compared to the same month last year. Following February (18,557 registrations) and March (21,112 registrations), the figure has remained above 20,000 for three consecutive months. The April data marks the highest level since April 2016 (22,844 registrations), representing a 10-year high.

Source: Chosun Ilbo

Original article: toutiao.com/article/1868942001561603/

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