[THE INVESTOR] The number of childbirths in South Korea were on a downturn at the fastest clip in nearly three years in July, government data showed on Sept. 28.
About 33,900 babies were born in July, down 7.4 percent, or 2,700, from 36,600 a year earlier, marking the steepest monthly drop since November 2013, when it posted a 12.3 percent on-year plunge, according to the data from Statistics Korea.
The number of marriages fell 10.2 percent on-year to a 10-month low of 21,200 in July, while 8,700 couples divorced, marking an 8.4 percent drop over the cited period.
Coupled with rapid aging, low birth rate has been regarded as one of the biggest threats to the South Korean economy.
(theinvestor@heraldcorp.com)
About 33,900 babies were born in July, down 7.4 percent, or 2,700, from 36,600 a year earlier, marking the steepest monthly drop since November 2013, when it posted a 12.3 percent on-year plunge, according to the data from Statistics Korea.
The number of marriages fell 10.2 percent on-year to a 10-month low of 21,200 in July, while 8,700 couples divorced, marking an 8.4 percent drop over the cited period.
Coupled with rapid aging, low birth rate has been regarded as one of the biggest threats to the South Korean economy.
(theinvestor@heraldcorp.com)
