South Korea has officially transitioned into a “superaged society,” with individuals aged 65 and older now constituting 20% of the registered population, according to data from the Ministry of the Interior and Safety.
At the same time, President Yoon Suk Yeol’s vision to establish a deputy prime minister-level “Population Ministry” dedicated to tackling South Korea’s mounting demographic crisis has been undermined by the political upheaval surrounding his administration.
The Ministry of Population Strategy and Planning would be tasked with crafting comprehensive policies on low birth rates, an aging society, immigration and mid- to long-term national development strategies.
The plan has been derailed by intensifying partisan conflict and deepening discord in the National Assembly, fueled by Yoon’s impeachment trial and a special prosecution investigation into allegations of insurrection.
Passage of a bill requires at least 151 members — over half of the 300 National Assembly members — to be present, and a majority to vote from those in attendance.
The United Nations classifies societies based on the percentage of their population aged 65 and above: an “aging society” has 7% or more, an “aged society” has 14% or more, and a “superaged society” reaches 20% or higher.
Source: The Korea Herald
